Spring 2025 HRA Members Meeting

The Spring 2025 HRA Members Meeting will be held entirely virtually! Sessions will be scheduled across multiple days during the week of March 10, 2025. This website will be updated as more information becomes available.

Session Topics

Session dates and times are still being finalized; please check back for scheduling information which will be posted as soon as it is available.

The Translational Research Pipeline: Strategies for Funders to Facilitate Bench-to-Bedside Research

Many non-profit organizations fund biomedical research that ultimately aims to improve human health. This session will provide an overview of the translational science pipeline and explore ways in which non-profit funders can support and facilitate the translation of basic science research into clinical application.

Professional Development in the Nonprofit Sphere: How to Advance and Grow in Your Position

Engage with other HRA members and learn from your peers strategies for moving up in your organization! This session will feature panelists at various career stages and different professional backgrounds such as HR representatives and government officials. In this session, we plan to discuss how you can navigate the promotion ladder without having a scientific background, how to help support the professional growth of those working on your team, and how to transition from the lab to grants management administration.

Funder Initiatives to Foster Investigator and Community Research Partnerships

This session will provide lessons learned from the development of funding initiatives to promote and support investigator and community partnerships. Speakers will discuss specific tips for developing funding opportunities, novel programmatic elements, how to foster equal and mutually beneficial partnerships, and where feasible, the results of the partnerships. The session will demonstrate patient/community-driven organization value to institutions, gather a take-away tool kit for best practices and resources for partnership, and provide community perspectives on what communities need from funders and academic institutions.

The Potential for AI in Discovery Science

Artificial Intelligence (AI), including powerful large language models (LLMs), is reshaping how scientific research is conducted. From generating insights through data analysis to assisting in the identification of research questions, AI is becoming an essential tool for discovery science.This session will explore the transformative potential of AI and highlight how it accelerates the pace of scientific discovery. Our panelists will discuss real-world applications of AI, illustrating how these tools go beyond traditional methods to support hypothesis generation, refine experimental design, and uncover patterns hidden within massive datasets. Join us to learn how AI is not only enhancing discovery but also paving the way toward tangible outcomes, such as improved diagnostics, innovative treatments, and ultimately, cures for diseases.

Navigating Change: Preparing for Policy Shifts and Their Impact on Research Funding

Changes that result from new administrations present an opportunity to assess, strengthen, or rethink approaches in support of your organization’s mission. The impact of political transitions on research funding, and the entire research enterprise, as well as the regulatory environment can be complex. However, with historical trends and lessons to draw from, research funding organizations can better prepare themselves to reinforce their existing strategies or rethink their approaches. This session will use a historical perspective to inform nonprofits on the roles they can play amidst changes in federal policies and priorities. Attendees will gain insights into how changes in federal administration can affect federal funding priorities, analyze regulatory shifts and any changes in the public perception/trust of science.

Thank you to the Spring 2025 Program Committee!

• Mandy Westland, HRA Members Meeting Intern
• Megan Allen, Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation (co-chair)
• Lindsay Redman Rivera, Health Resources in Action (co-chair)
• Michelle McLeod, Arthritis Foundation (co-chair)
• Stephanie Albin, The Kavli Foundation
• Jennifer Chang, American Brain Tumor Association
• Jacquelyn Crutchley, AACR
• Mackenzie Hinson, The V Foundation for Cancer Research
• Michelle Johnston-Fleece, PCORI
• David Leyden, Simons Foundation
• Wenchi Liang, PCORI
• Nicole Litwin, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
• Julie Logston, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
• Ana-Rita Mayol, Pew Charitable Trusts
• Angela McCarty, American Heart Association
• Emily Myers, Alzheimer’s Association
• Michelle Norton, American Epilepsy Society
• Kevin Sia, Doris Duke Foundation
• Caroline Smith, The V Foundation for Cancer Research