Driven by a desire to create an environment where scientists could pursue groundbreaking research without constraints, Salk founded the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California. The institute was designed by architect Louis Kahn and quickly became a world-renowned center for scientific innovation.

The Salk Institute officially opened its doors, attracting top scientists from around the world to conduct research in fields such as molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience, and plant biology.

In the later years of his career, Salk focused his research efforts on developing a vaccine for HIV/AIDS. While he did not achieve the same level of success as with the polio vaccine, his work contributed to a better understanding of the virus and potential vaccine strategies. His approach focused on using killed virus in immunotherapy.

Jonas Salk died of heart failure in La Jolla, California, at the age of 80. His legacy as one of the greatest medical scientists of the 20th century continues to inspire researchers and public health professionals around the world.