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Philanthropic Partners Group

Ambitious Philanthropists Accelerating Research and Igniting Innovation

The University of Utah Health Philanthropic Partners, a group comprised of ambitious philanthropists who wish to accelerate research at University of Utah Health, have been formed to ignite innovation in today’s challenging funding climate. Strategically targeting vital areas of need with pooled resources and motivated by the pursuit of discovery, the Philanthropic Partners will propel a straightforward idea that forms the bedrock of exceptional achievement: empowering the most brilliant minds to push the boundaries of their abilities and venture into uncharted territories will pave the way for a brighter and more promising tomorrow. 

Rachel Hess

Rachel Hess, MD, MS

AVP for Research

Dr. Rachel Hess founded the Philanthropic Partners Group to catalyze breakthroughs and accelerate health sciences research. As the Health Sciences AVP for Research, Dr. Hess plays a pivotal role in shaping the research landscape at the University of Utah Health. Dr. Hess is a distinguished physician, researcher, and visionary leader. Knowing that breakthroughs often emerge at the intersection of diverse expertise, she fosters a collaborative environment and encourages innovative thinking and calculated risk-taking.

Mario Capecchi, PhD

Mario Capecchi, PhD

Scientific Advisor

Dr. Mario Capecchi serves as a Scientific Advisor to the Philanthropic Partners Group. Dr. Capecchi’s revolutionary research involving creating knockout mice, where specific genes could be turned off led to him receiving the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2007. Dr. Capecchi brings unparalleled insights into cutting-edge research and scientific advancements. His strategic guidance can help the group identify high-impact areas for philanthropic investments.

Accelerate Research

Philanthropic Partners

The Philanthropic Partners invite proposals from researchers with inventive and innovative ideas who are seeking seed funding to accelerate breakthroughs and test new ideas that are not yet viable for traditional funding mechanisms. The goal of this initiative is to ignite high-risk, potentially high-reward research programs that address critical societal issues and foster innovation, discovery, and collaboration.

Philanthropic Partners offer insights and perspectives from varied backgrounds including business, law, engineering, marketing, and more. While our partners come from unique backgrounds, the groups' collective excitement for igniting discovery, innovation, and curiosity in health sciences through philanthropy unite them into a powerful, action-oriented group of change makers.  

The Philanthropic Partners Group meets twice a year, once to hear presentations from researchers seeking seed funding and once to receive updates from funded research projects.

Interested in joining the Philanthropic Partners Group?

Contact: Emily Blake  
Director of Advancement, AVP for Research Office
emily.blake@utah.edu 
(208) 447-9379

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U of U Health investigators learn how you can connect with potential funders to advance your research.