The Science Philanthropy Alliance is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Cynthia M. Friend as Chair of its Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2026. Dr. Friend, President and CEO of The Kavli Foundation, brings a deep commitment to discovery science and a longstanding connection to the Alliance, having served on its Advisory Board since 2021 and Board of Directors since 2025.
She succeeds Dr. Harvey V. Fineberg, former President of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, who has served with distinction since 2015 as an Advisory Board member, Chair of the Advisory Board, and most recently, as the inaugural Chair of the Board of Directors. During his tenure, the Alliance experienced transformative growth, deepened its impact, and strengthened its mission to advance scientific discovery through visionary philanthropy. Dr. Fineberg led the organization through the global COVID-19 crisis—when science philanthropy played a critical role in response efforts—and helped steer its transition to an independent nonprofit in 2025. Under his leadership, the Alliance has grown to a vibrant community of 40 philanthropic organizations committed to advancing science.
“Harvey’s leadership has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Dr. France A. Córdova, President of the Science Philanthropy Alliance. “He has stewarded the Alliance through key strategic transitions and championed a vision of science philanthropy that is bold and enduring. We are deeply grateful for his wisdom and unwavering commitment to scientific discovery. As we look to the future, I’m thrilled to welcome Cynthia Friend as our new Board Chair. Cynthia brings not only deep scientific expertise and philanthropic leadership, but also a strategic vision and collaborative spirit that will serve the Alliance and its members incredibly well in this next chapter.”
A chemist by training and a pioneering academic leader, Dr. Friend brings decades of experience in science and philanthropy. Prior to joining The Kavli Foundation in 2021, she served as a professor at Harvard University, where her leadership positions included Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and Director of the Rowland Institute. Friend also served as Associate Laboratory Director of SLAC National Laboratory at Stanford.
“I am honored to serve as the next Board Chair of the Science Philanthropy Alliance,” said Dr. Cynthia Friend. “At an uncertain and complex time for science funding, the philanthropic community has a critical opportunity to help sustain and strengthen the scientific enterprise. I look forward to building on Harvey’s legacy and working with France and the entire Alliance community to ensure a resilient future for science.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Dr. Harvey Fineberg shared, “It has been a privilege to help guide the Alliance during a period of tremendous growth and possibility. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together, and I’m excited to see Cynthia bring her exceptional vision and energy to this role.”
As the scientific landscape evolves, the Alliance remains steadfast in its mission to empower philanthropists to fuel discovery and accelerate innovation. With a strong foundation laid by Dr. Harvey Fineberg and new leadership under Dr. Cynthia Friend, the Alliance enters its next chapter focused on expanding its impact, advancing the role of philanthropy in science, and championing bold, curiosity-driven research.
ABOUT THE SCIENCE PHILANTHROPY ALLIANCE
The Science Philanthropy Alliance is the world’s first and longest-standing organization dedicated to advising philanthropists on giving to discovery science. Founded in 2014, the Alliance has grown into a vibrant network of 44 member organizations and a global community of funders, scientists, and advisors committed to advancing scientific discovery for the benefit of humanity. We support both emerging and established science funders through tailored advisory services and convene leaders across philanthropy, academia, and government to foster connection, shared learning, and innovation. Learn more at sciencephilanthropyalliance.org.
Media Contact:
Dustin Sposato
Communications Manager, Science Philanthropy Alliance
dsposato@sciphil.org