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National Academies add philanthropists to their long-standing brain trust of government, university, and industry leaders

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Sept. 18, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National Academies Add Philanthropists to Their Long-Standing Brain Trust of Government, University, and Industry Leaders

WASHINGTON — 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).

“When GUIRR was formed in 1984, it was lauded as being ahead of its time by identifying the need for government, universities, and industry institutions to liaise and develop innovative partnerships,” said Marcia McNutt, president of the National Academy of Sciences. “We are following this same trailblazing path by formally recognizing the role philanthropy will play in building innovation and the future U.S. research ecosystem.”

Funding for basic science and applied research is critical to scientists and researchers as well as the public. Scientific innovation drives advancements that improve quality of life, such as medical breakthroughs. It fosters economic growth by creating new industries and job opportunities while also exploring unique pathways to address challenges. Supporting basic science and applied research also encourages a culture of curiosity and learning, empowering individuals to contribute to, and benefit from, societal progress. Philanthropic funding for scientific research has increased significantly, doubling in the past 70 years through support of higher education and nonprofit institutions.

“Philanthropic investment provides new models for advancing research from the bench to the market, balancing risk-taking and societal needs,” said France Córdova, president of the Science Philanthropy Alliance and GUIPRR Council member. “We have seen philanthropists’ interest in funding science increase, and they have an undeniable role in shaping the U.S. scientific enterprise. Philanthropy can make bets on discoveries that will benefit society, perhaps far in the future, and it can scale that support through partnerships with other private and public funders. Philanthropists will bring great insights and different perspectives to the roundtable.”

GUIPRR is charged with improving the nation’s research enterprise by resolving cross-sector issues that prevent the U.S. research community from reaching its full potential. This mission is achieved by convening senior-most representatives from government, universities, industry, and philanthropy to frame the critical issues, followed by — when appropriate — the execution of activities designed to address specific impediments to achieving a healthy, vibrant research enterprise. The roundtable is led by GUIPRR Council co-chairs Darryll Pines and Danelle Merfeld, and convenes its 60 members three times a year with outside experts to explore unique perspectives and promote cross-sector dialogue on how to build new collaborations and work more effectively to enhance the competitiveness and effectiveness of U.S. science and technology and its application to national goals.

“Philanthropy represents a major funding source for the high-risk, high-reward research needed to keep our research and innovation ecosystem productive and competitive into the future,” said Michael W. Nestor, the National Academies’ board director for GUIPRR. “We are thrilled with this new direction and look forward to valuable discussions and collective action to keep our scientific enterprise vibrant.”

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are private, nonprofit institutions that provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions related to science, engineering, and medicine. They operate under an 1863 congressional charter to the National Academy of Sciences, signed by President Lincoln.