Sue Merrilees, Science Philanthropy AllianceRemarks have been edited and condensed for clarity and brevityRecently, I spoke with Nobel laureate Tom Cech, an External Science Advisor to the Science Philanthropy Alliance, about the publication of The Catalyst: RNA and the Quest to Unlock Life’s Deepest Secrets, his first work written for a general…
By Elyse A. Hope, Strategic Initiative ManagerThe Science Philanthropy Alliance is celebrating ten years of service toward its mission of advancing scientific discovery through visionary philanthropy. In an interview marking this anniversary, Cheryl Moore, a leading contributor during the Alliance’s formation, reflected on its significance: “There's a place for the scientifically curious to…
September 18, 2024FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEWASHINGTON — The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Government-University-Industry Research Roundtable (GUIRR) — a forum for leaders to discuss the U.S. scientific research enterprise — has announced the inclusion of philanthropy leadership in the long-standing group. The roundtable’s new name is the Government-University-Industry-Philanthropy Research Roundtable (GUIPRR). …
Prior to the global emergence of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), most countries and their respective governmental health ministries were lulled into a false sense of biosecurity. The health and economic impacts of COVID-19 are a stark reminder of the catastrophic risks microbial pathogens pose in our globalized society. Considering there is an 80% chance of another pandemic…
2023 was a year of intense activity for the Science Philanthropy Alliance marked by the achievement of key milestones such as influencing over $500 million toward basic science research initiatives, executing our first major thought leadership effort, the Science Philanthropy Indicators Report, presenting at key forums such as the Government-University-Industry Research Roundtable, and more. Our greatest accomplishment is that we…
Alliance member Jim Simons, co-founder of the Simons Foundation, who recently passed away at the age of 86 is remembered for his work as a mathematician, hedge fund pioneer, investor, professor and, lastly and importantly, as a philanthropist. His contribution to the Science Philanthropy Alliance was invaluable, and we honor his memory.The Simons Foundation…
By Rose-Marie BrandweinScience Philanthropy Alliance members are often at the vanguard of science discovery, funding unique programs and fields that have great potential for finding cures or addressing societal ills. One such member is the Dana Foundation, founded in 1950 with a focus on supporting higher education and health research. Most notable among its…
The research funding landscape is evolving. We are seeing shifts in the balance of funding coming from different sectors, as well as the emergence of both new opportunities and potential inequities. These areas were topics of discussion during a June 4 webinar hosted by the Government-University-Industry Research Roundtable (GUIRR), the oldest roundtable of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering,…
Thought-provoking topics introduced by various panelists set the stage for robust and stimulating conversations at the Science Philanthropy Alliance bi-annual Members’ Meeting in New York City on May 7-8th. Alliance President France Córdova welcomed an enthusiastic group of over 100 participants, a record number of attendees. Members were eager to engage with and listen to experts who shared…
The Science Philanthropy Alliance congratulates the Prebys Foundation on its long-standing commitment to San Diegans. The creation and implementation of its Research Heroes Award Program illustrates the significant impact an organization can make in addressing the needs of underrepresented groups. These medical researchers are exemplary models of scientific research, mentorship, and leadership, and we applaud…