Event Recap | Funding Faculty Research - Meet and Greet with Foundation Funders for Early Career Scientists

Faculty Development Session: Funding Faculty Research: Meet and Greet with Foundation Funders for Early Career Scientists

About the Event

Dimitra Koutsantoni, Senior Director of University Corporate and Foundation Relations, led a conversation with Gerard Brandenstein, Managing Director of the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation, Daniel Goroff, Vice President and Program Director of the Sloan Foundation, Anne Hultgren, Executive Director and CEO of the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, and Laura J. Kaufman, Columbia University Professor of Chemistry and Chair of the Department of Chemistry, on funding programs for early career faculty in STEM fields. The discussion covered the aims and goals of foundation fellowships, the selection process for candidates, differences between federal and foundation proposals, and the impact of early career awards on academic careers.

Additional Resources

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Key Takeaways

  • Early Career Faculty Fellowships & Foundation Programs Overview
  • Foundation Priorities and Selection Process
    • Each foundation has specific priorities and selection criteria for its programs. Understanding these priorities is crucial for crafting competitive proposals.
    • The selection process involves review by experts in the respective fields, emphasizing identifying candidates with promising and groundbreaking research ideas.
  • Federal vs. Foundation Proposals
    • Proposals submitted to foundations differ from those submitted to federal agencies. Foundations often have more flexibility in funding decisions and may be more open to unconventional projects. Understanding these differences and tailoring proposals accordingly is essential for your application’s success.
  • Impact of Early Career Awards
    • Receiving early career awards can significantly benefit faculty members' career trajectories. These awards not only enhance CVs but also signal research excellence to the academic community, leading to further recognition and funding opportunities.
    • Additionally, foundation awards can support innovative research projects that may not receive funding from federal agencies.
  • Successful Proposals
    • Panelists emphasized the importance of aligning research proposals with the foundation’s core mission.
    • They encouraged early career scientists not to underestimate the value of their ideas and to seek advice when considering applying for funding opportunities.
    • They also highlighted the supportive and flexible nature of foundation funding, which allows recipients to pursue their research goals more effectively.

 

Key Similarities and Differences

Speakers

Head shot of Dimitra Koutsantoni with dark shoulder length hair

Dimitra Koutsantoni 

Dimitra Koutsantoni is Senior Director of University Corporate and Foundation Relations at Columbia University. Dimitra works with Columbia University academic and administrative leaders and faculty to develop and deepen partnerships with foundations and corporations in support of university strategic initiatives, programs, and faculty research. Prior to that, she served as the Director of Research Administration at Columbia University Irving Medical Center where she led the administration and management of the Department of Pediatrics’ portfolio of grants and clinical trials.  Dimitra has also held research administration and foundation relations positions in Columbia’s Sponsored Projects Administration and Business School. Before coming to Columbia in 2010, Dimitra headed up research development and knowledge transfer at Bayes Business School (formerly Cass), City University London. A social scientist by training, Dimitra holds a PhD in Sociolinguistics and has published a research monograph, peer reviewed journal articles, and higher education policy papers.

 

Head shot of Gerard Brandenstein

Gerard Brandenstein

With almost 35 years of dedicated service to the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation, Gerard Brandenstein was named Managing Director in January 2024. He is also a member of Touro University’s Institutional Review Board. He has continued his postgraduate education with studies at Harvard Business School and Cornell Law School.

 

Headshot of Daniel Goroff

Daniel Goroff

Daniel Goroff serves as Vice President and Program Director at the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. He is a particularly passionate patron of rigorous and policy-relevant research in the social sciences, while also running the Sloan Research Fellowship Program that funds promising junior faculty in a variety of disciplines. Daniel Goroff is Professor Emeritus of Mathematics and Economics at Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, where he also served as Dean of the Faculty and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

 

Headshot of Anne Hultgren

Anne Hultgren

Anne Hultgren joined the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation in 2015 as Executive Director and CEO. Previously, she served at the Department of Homeland Security within the Science and Technology Directorate, specializing in chemical and biological defense technologies.. She received her PhD in Physics and Astronomy from Johns Hopkins University, and BA in Physics and Mathematics from Franklin and Marshall College.

 

Headshot of Laura Jill Kaufman

Laura J. Kaufman

Laura J. Kaufman is Professor of Chemistry and Chair of the Department of Chemistry, A&S at Columbia University. Her research considers the dynamics of crowded systems, including biopolymer gels, supercooled liquids and conjugated polymers. She has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Beckman Young Investigator Award and the Camille Dreyfus Teacher Scholar Award.