Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), one of the largest biomedical philanthropies in the world, is already working to accomplish these goals. HHMI's international programs address many of the issues raised by the InterAcademy Council report. HHMI has invested more than $100 million to support scientific research and help build scientific infrastructure in 32 countries on six continents. For example, the Institute supports:
"HHMI is supporting cutting edge science internationally by helping talented researchers remain in or return to their home countries, keeping a national scientific tradition alive," says Peter Bruns, HHMI vice president for grants and special programs. "The effect of a research grant for one individual multiplies its value for others in a number of ways: training opportunities for students; equipment used by others within the home and neighboring institutions; electronic journal subscriptions for all members of the home institution; opportunities for collaboration and travel to meetings, and salary support, not only to the scholar but to her/his laboratory personnel."
If you would like to talk with Bruns or with Jill Conley, international program director, contact Jennifer Donovan 301-215-8859;cell 240-401-5783; donovanj@hhmi.org or
Cindy Fox Aisen 317-843-2276; aisenc@hhmi.org .