Events

HRA Federal Policy Series: How Researchers, Funders, and Nonprofits are Joining Forces in an Unprecedented Threat Landscape: Finding a Path Forward

10/29/25 1-2 PM ET - Online - Webinars

The pressures facing biomedical research and nonprofit funders have never been greater. Many members of the HRA community have been working to determine methods for responding to these challenges. Join HRA and Protect Democracy on October 29, 2025 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM for a critical conversation on how researchers, funders, and nonprofits are coming together to protect and advance vital research through collaboration, strategy, and innovation.

In this session, we’ll explore:

  • Current challenges facing biomedical research and nonprofits, relevant to the HRA community
  • Community responses through communications, litigation, legislation, humility, and organizing
  • Interactive discussion and Q&A, giving you a chance to engage directly with our experts

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from leading voices and discuss actionable strategies for protecting and advancing research in today’s evolving environment.

Speakers:

Protect Democracy is a nonpartisan, anti-authoritarianism group that works to preserve democracy with a unified and cross-ideological strategy rooted in expertise.

  • ​Corey Dukes leads Protect Democracy’s efforts to support civil society’s defense of the institutions upon which our democracy relies. Previously, he established the organization’s state advocacy program and led efforts to defend the 2020 election. Corey joined Protect Democracy’s after a career as a campaign and domestic policy adviser to multiple U.S. Senators and Presidents.
  • ​Nikkilia (Nikki) Lu is a dynamic leader with over 10 years of experience helping to shape policy, advocacy and political campaigns. Over the course of her career she has been instrumental in building advocacy and electoral infrastructure across the country with national non-profit organizations focused on state engagement. She has worked at the highest levels of American government and politics, including at The White House and as senior leadership for multiple presidential campaigns in Pennsylvania.