Why are we here and what impact can we have? A reflection of and vision for biomedical research funding and philanthropic and non-profit involvement [Fall 2025 Members Meeting]

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This session explores a historical view of how the biomedical research enterprise has been funded and how philanthropic and non-profit organizations fit into this enterprise. Speakers will address the advent of government support for science and its infrastructure in the United States along with how that research funding intertwines with the non-profit and for-profit sectors. The session will also explore the ways that philanthropic and non-profit organizations have led, supplemented, and influenced the biomedical research landscape. From the talks and discussion, participants will understand the overall structures for biomedical research funding, the history of how such structures came to be, and the role philanthropic and non-profit organizations fulfill in achieving beneficial impact for humankind.

Moderator

Kirstie Keller, PhD, Chief Executive Officer, Additional Ventures

Speakers

Eric Abrahamson, PhD, PI/Fellow, History of Science Philanthropy, Institute for Applied Economics, Global Health, and Study of Business Enterprise, Johns Hopkins University

Victoria Harden, PhD, Biomedical Sciences History Consultant, former Director of the Office of NIH History and the Stetten Museum

Carrie Patton, National Senior Director of Research and Grants, American Heart Association