The Office of Research Initiatives and Development is pleased to continue, Funding Forward: Strategies for Securing Research Funding—a webinar series designed to enable faculty and researchers with practical tools to strengthen their funding efforts.
This series features sessions on engaging with foundations, industry partners, and government agencies, along with strategies for using funding tools and internal resources.
We invite you to join us for our upcoming session:
Funding Forward: A Conversation with Health Sciences Foundation Leaders and Grant Makers
Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
Time: 12:30–1:30 PM
Place: Virtual (Zoom – link provided upon registration)
This session will spotlight how foundations in the health sciences are approaching grantmaking in today’s challenging climate and provide insights into the opportunities and expectations shaping this funding landscape. The conversation will explore strategies for building successful approaches and help researchers strengthen their engagement with health-focused foundations.
Panelists
- Sindy Escobar-Alvarez, PhD – Program Director, Medical Research Program, Doris Duke Foundation
- Irfan Hasan – Vice President, Programs and Grants, New York Community Trust
- Victoria McGovern, PhD – Senior Program Officer, Burroughs Wellcome Fund
Moderator
- Takeisha Hall-Ruff – Senior Executive Director of Development, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Panel Hosts
- Dimitra Koutsantoni, PhD – Executive Director of University Corporate and Foundation Relations, Office of Alumni and Development
- Venessa Manzano – Senior Director of Development, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
While the discussion will focus on health care and medical research, all members of the Columbia community with an interest in foundation funding are welcome to attend.
This session is co-hosted with Columbia’s Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement.