Although we receive research support from federal agencies and foundations, our ability to pilot new projects, train young investigators from developing countries, and contribute to programs such as the WHO laboratory network depends on the generous support of our partners in public health. The competitive grant process typically requires a minimum of 12 – 18 months from time of application to receipt of funding. Such delays compromise our ability to rapidly respond to outbreaks of infectious disease or follow leads with important implications for human health. There are several ways for us to meet objectives together.

Specific Projects
Some partners are committed to obtaining insights into specific diseases, perhaps because a loved one is affected, or a scientific or clinical problem is particularly urgent. Faculty in the CII are engaged in research projects that address the roots of emerging infectious diseases, mental illness (autism, AD/HD, schizophrenia), diabetes mellitus, and some forms of cancer through studies of gene-environment interactions, field work in the developing world, epidemiology, studies of animal models, and biomarker analyses.

Fellowships
We receive many applications from talented young scientists from developing countries who wish to train at Columbia but are not eligible for scholarship grants. Because these individuals represent the future of biomedical research, supporting them during the early phases of their careers can have a profound impact on global public health.

Building Funds
Building state-of-the-art modern laboratories is critical to the success of our research and training missions. Particularly urgent needs are space to support projects in autism, emerging infectious diseases (a WHO global surveillance program) and activities of the Northeast Biodefense Center (NBC, a consortium of 28 research institutions in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut focused on research response to bioterrorism and emerging infectious diseases).

Director’s Fund
One of the most helpful and highly leveraged ways to promote research is to provide seed funds so that we can pursue promising and important leads. This type of funding is the most difficult to secure but has high impact because it can culminate in seminal discoveries.

At the discretion of the donor, projects, fellowships, and facilities can be named. We view donors as partners in our mission and are delighted to introduce them to the faculty and fellows they sponsor, and provide regular reports of research productivity.

Columbia University is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Thus, contributions to the Mailman School of Public Health are tax-deductible.

If you are interested in supporting our work, there are a number of ways to contribute:

• Individuals and institutions may make tax-deductible contributions at any time via Columbia University’s secure online giving site (please see “give outline” for more information)
• Contributions may be sent directly to the lab via post at the address listed below. Individual or institutions seeking to provide ongoing support may provide named facilities or funding for named positions (please see “named positions” for more information)

Contact Katrina Ciraldo with questions. Her email address is kjc2106@columbia.edu

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