May 14, 2026 –
Today, Universities Research Association (URA) convened a timely and forward-looking Research Policy Forum, The Role of Philanthropic Investment in University Research, bringing together leaders from universities, foundations, and the broader research enterprise to examine the growing role of philanthropy in advancing scientific discovery, innovation, and long-term research competitiveness.
The virtual forum examined how the evolving funding landscape is reshaping the ways institutions support scientific research, build strategic partnerships, and engage external stakeholders. Discussions addressed both the opportunities and challenges emerging from increasing uncertainty in federal research funding, alongside the expanding strategic role of philanthropy across the research ecosystem.
A central theme throughout the forum was the unique catalytic role philanthropy can play in seeding innovative, interdisciplinary, and high-risk research initiatives that are often difficult to support through traditional funding mechanisms. While philanthropy cannot replace sustained federal investment at scale, it can help enable early-stage ideas, strengthen emerging research communities, foster cross-sector collaboration, accelerate research translation, and position transformative scientific efforts for long-term growth and societal impact.
Several themes emerged throughout the discussion, including the growing importance of partnerships among universities, philanthropy, industry, and the broader research enterprise in supporting talent development, advancing discovery, and strengthening public trust in research. Additional topics included flexible funding and indirect cost models, stronger strategic coordination and storytelling, shared venues for institutional coherence, and the increasing need for data and evidence frameworks to better understand the philanthropic research landscape.
URA extends sincere appreciation to the distinguished speakers and panelists who contributed their expertise and perspectives to this important conversation: Eric Isaacs (Research Corporation for Science Advancement), Luiza Newlin-Lukowicz (The Ohio State University), Gregory Gabadadze (New York University and Simons Foundation), Michelle Govani and Lara Ferry (Arizona State University), Gabriele Betancourt-Martínez (Heising-Simons Foundation), Maha Krishnamurthy (University of Tennessee Research Foundation), and France Córdova and Kate Lowry (Science Philanthropy Alliance).
The forum emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration across sectors to strengthen the long-term vitality, resilience, and global competitiveness of the U.S. research enterprise.
Additional forum materials, including the final report and session recordings, are now available online: