We at the Rockefeller Institute of Government were saddened to hear of the passing of Jim Simons late last week. Jim’s exceptional career has been justly honored and memorialized in numerous books, news articles, and interviews, and now, in notes of remembrance such as this. Those wishing to learn more about the fullness of his life and his unparalleled success in academia, investing, and philanthropy can start here.

For us at the Rockefeller Institute, Jim saw a vision for government and the kind people of we should be attracting to government service that we also saw. The world is growing increasingly complex; the pace of technological progress continues to quicken. Now, more than ever, we need to bring together social and technological expertise in policy spaces to confront the immense challenges and opportunities of our time.

Jim’s recent grant to the Rockefeller Institute, one of his many generous contributions to academic institutions across the country, is helping us realize that vision. Through the support of the Simons Foundation, the Institute is advancing the New York State Science Policy Fellowship, which transitions PhDs in science, technology, and engineering into high-level public sector roles in New York State’s executive and legislative branches. This program and others like it would not be possible without Jim’s incredible generosity and commitment to a society informed by science, evidence, and research.

While we are saddened to hear of this loss, we are heartened to know that Jim’s legacy will endure through the institutions he has supported over his long and full life. Our thoughts go out to Jim’s family and all those whose lives have been enriched by him.