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Harvard President Alan M. Garber convened a University-wide committee to develop a revised vision for scientific research, termed the Science Advisory Committee. Established over the summer, the committee, featuring 15 to 20 faculty members under the leadership of former Provost Steven E. Hyman and Immunology Chair Arlene H. Sharpe, is currently in its formative stages. Faculty are being recruited for subcommittees focused on areas like neuroscience.
The committee’s efforts are part of a University initiative aimed at enhancing fundraising for scientific research, particularly following recent federal funding cuts. The committee is collaborating with Harvard’s Alumni Affairs and Development office to establish a framework for these fundraising endeavors.
University spokesperson Jonathan L. Swain confirmed the committee’s aim to engage faculty and explore areas for significant impact in scientific research.
This initiative represents Harvard’s most tangible strategy to rethink its research approach since federal funding was frozen last spring. Acknowledging the need to diversify funding sources, the committee aligns with the University’s broader goal of developing effective fundraising strategies.
Recent developments include a new team within the Alumni Affairs and Development office dedicated to “transformational giving.” This team, led by Kasia Allen, has been ramping up efforts to attract major philanthropic gifts.
The University is set to allocate $150 million to advance scientific research, with $100 million distributed based on federal funding levels and $50 million targeted at specific research areas such as neuroscience and climate. This comes amid competitive fundraising dynamics, highlighted by notable recent gifts to other institutions.
Despite federal challenges, including ongoing litigation concerning funding restrictions, Harvard is actively pursuing a multifaceted approach to secure its research funding.
For more information, contact Hugo C. Chiasson at [email protected] or Elise A. Spenner at [email protected]. Follow us on X: @HugoChiassonn and @EliseSpenner.
