Exciting New Research Collaborations at Pew
The Pew Charitable Trusts has recently revealed its latest cohort of researchers under the prestigious Innovation Fund. This initiative aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration among scientists dedicated to expanding the boundaries of biomedical research.
Innovative Minds Joining Forces
This year, the program welcomes 14 distinguished scientists, all of whom have made significant contributions to the fields of neuroscience, immunology, and cancer biology. Their collective expertise is set to pave the way for groundbreaking investigations into human health and disease.
Donna Frisby-Greenwood, a spokesperson for Pew, expressed enthusiasm for the newly selected researchers, emphasizing that collaborative efforts are often the source of the most impactful scientific advancements. The Innovation Fund aims to harness this collaborative spirit to unlock further scientific breakthroughs.
The Evolution of the Innovation Fund
The Innovation Fund, initiated in 2017, represents a continued commitment by Pew to support biomedical scientists. Funded by the Kathryn W. Davis Peace by Pieces Fund, this program seeks to stimulate creative partnerships among Pew alumni who hold assistant professor positions or higher. With additional backing from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative this year, the fund is more than equipped to support diverse and ambitious research projects.
Highlighting the Research Teams
The newly formed teams are tackling a wide array of research inquiries:
- Carlos Carmona-Fontaine, Ph.D., New York University, and Piro Lito, M.D., Ph.D., Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, will explore how cell cooperation impacts cancer therapy resistance.
- Juan Du, Ph.D., Northwestern University, and Marco Gallio, Ph.D., Northwestern University, will investigate changes in a fruit fly ion channel originally used for taste that evolved into a heat sensor.
- Andrew L. Goodman, Ph.D., Yale School of Medicine, and Ivaylo I. Ivanov, Ph.D., Columbia University, plan to research the interaction between gut microbes and medical drugs to activate antimicrobial peptides.
- Eduardo Perozo, Ph.D., University of Chicago, and Juan-Pablo Castillo, Ph.D., Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, will examine molecular principles behind mechanotransduction, converting mechanical stimuli to electrical signals for brain decoding.
- Richard L. Possemato, Ph.D., New York University School of Medicine, and Michelle Krogsgaard, Ph.D., New York University School of Medicine, will study how metabolic limitations affect T cell function in hostile tumor environments.
- Michael J. Rust, Ph.D., University of Chicago, and Suckjoon Jun, Ph.D., University of California San Diego, will research cyanobacteria's growth regulation and resource allocation in varying environments.
- John Tuthill, Ph.D., University of Washington, and Sebastian Brauchi, Ph.D., Universidad Austral de Chile, will delve into how certain snow flies adapt to frigid temperatures.
The Role of Pew in Advancing Science
Founded in 1948, The Pew Charitable Trusts has been dedicated to enhancing public policy, informing the community, and progressing scientific discovery. By bridging interdisciplinary inquiries, Pew is at the forefront of addressing pressing global challenges through innovative research. The organization's commitment to fostering partnerships among scientists highlights its vision for a healthier future.
For any inquiries, Erin Davis can be reached at 202-540-6677.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Pew Innovation Fund?
The Pew Innovation Fund aims to foster interdisciplinary research collaborations among alumni of Pew's biomedical programs to advance scientific knowledge in health and disease.
Who are the researchers involved in the 2025 class?
The 2025 class includes 14 recognized scientists from various prestigious institutions, collaborating on projects related to cancer biology, immunology, and more.
How can the public benefit from this research?
The findings from these collaborative projects have the potential to drive significant improvements in understanding diseases and informing public health policy.
What historical significance does Pew have in biomedical research?
Pew has a rich history of supporting scientific endeavors since 1948, becoming a leading organization for funding and promoting innovative biomedical research.
How is Pew supporting these collaborative efforts?
Pew provides funding through the Innovation Fund and collaborates with partners like the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to enhance research capabilities and impact.
