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Designing a More Efficient and Transparent Federal Funding Modelfor Research

While the longstanding model for reimbursing indirect research costs has supported productive partnerships between research institutions and the federal government, it has become increasingly complex, creating administrative burdens and confusion. In response to calls from Congress for a more transparent and efficient system, a coalition of colleges, universities, hospitals, and independent research institutions developed a…

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Leinweber Foundation Expands its Network of Theoretical Physics Institutes, Surpassing $100M With the Addition of Stanford University

June 26, 2025 – The Leinweber Foundation today announced its gift to Stanford University to endow the Leinweber Institute for Theoretical Physics at Stanford, further expanding its visionary network of institutes committed to advancing one of the most intellectually ambitious fields in science. With its latest investment in Stanford, the Leinweber Foundation’s total support for…

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Exploring the Role of Philanthropy in Nuclear Energy: A Deep Dive with the Oppenheimer Project

  Last December, Charles Oppenheimer, Founder of the Oppenheimer Project and grandson of J. Robert Oppenheimer, participated in a virtual event with Science Philanthropy Alliance President France Cordova, Senior Director of Philanthropic Advising Sue Merrilees, and several Alliance Partners and Advisees. Charles was joined by Oppenheimer Project colleagues Theo Kalionzes, Senior Advisor, and Karen Pak…

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Leinweber Foundation Announces Largest Gift Ever for Theoretical Physics Research

The Science Philanthropy Alliance congratulates the Leinweber Foundation on the announcement today of gifts totaling $90 million to establish Leinweber Institutes for Theoretical Physics at four of the nation’s top research universities: the University of Michigan, the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Chicago, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as a…

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Spotlight on Underfunded Areas: Aging Research

Aging is a major risk factor for chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. While industrialization and modern medicine have extended average life expectancy in the past century, this progress has led to an epidemic of age-related diseases, which contributes to the global burden of chronic illness. Understanding…

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A Vision for American Science and Technology (VAST)

Today, a coalition of leaders across philanthropy, industry, academia, and government unveiled the Vision for American Science and Technology (VAST)—a strategic framework to reignite U.S. leadership in scientific discovery and innovation. As global competition intensifies, VAST offers a bold, actionable roadmap to ensure American science remains at the forefront of progress.VAST outlines key priorities,…

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Spotlight on Underfunded Areas: Cancer Research

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and while significant progress has been made in recent years, we still don’t understand its complex mechanisms and how best to target its diverse forms. Unravelling the intricate genetic and molecular interactions involved in cancer development and progression, identifying novel targets for therapy, and refining early detection…

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Spotlight on Underfunded Areas: Pandemic Prevention and Preparedness

Philanthropic funding for emerging infectious disease research has steadily increased by about 10% annually between 2014-2019 in response to epidemics around the globe, such as MERS, Ebola, Zika, and Chikungunya. As the world scrambled to control the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (COVID-19), philanthropic funding in the emerging infectious disease space spiked 290% in 2020 and fell by…

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Spotlight on Underfunded Areas: International Researchers

Many scientists from all over the world move to the United States to work and advance fundamental scientific understanding. A 2020 analysis conducted by the National Science Foundation showed that 46.2% of matriculating graduate students in science and engineering are international students. Even while at graduate and postdoctoral academic levels, these scientists contribute greatly to…

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