Science Innovation

Science Innovation is sponsored by Walder Foundation. The Walder Foundation's Science Innovation program supports scientific discovery, the development of innovative life science applications, and the translation of scientific learnings to impactful solutions for human health and well-being.

Science Innovation — Walder Foundation Environmental Sustainability Migration and Immigrant Communities BRIDGING GAPS AND CATALYZING NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN LIFE SCIENCES TO BUILD REGIONAL ADVANTAGE The Science Innovation program area of Walder Foundation honors and builds upon Dr. Joseph Walder’s enduring legacy by supporting scientific discovery, the development of innovative life science applications, and translation of scientific learnings to impactful solutions for human health and wellbeing.

Our strategy is guided by Dr. Walder’s exemplary values and inspired by the ingenuity with which he approached all challenges. Our grantmaking leverages Chicagoland strengths and cross-sector partnerships to bridge gaps and catalyze new opportunities to build regional advantage.

We aim to see Greater Chicago become a thriving beacon for life science innovations, achieved through strategic investment in initiatives to strengthen the scientific community, build research capacity, and foster bioeconomic growth across the region.

Just a Moment Away: How Nucleate Chicago is Supporting Life Science Innovation and Expansion in the Midwest Nucleate Chicago is behind the incorporation of six companies, $17 million in raised funding, and the creation of over 30 local jobs in the life sciences.

Structure, Precision, Progress: The Impact of the Bailey Lab’s CRISPR Research Explore how philanthropic support powers the tools, techniques, and insights shaping next‑generation genome editing. Unlocking Cellular Secrets: Dr. Jiou Wang’s Latest Breakthroughs Bench science research discoveries could transform future treatments for neurodegenerative disease and viral infections.

Why Early Research Opportunities Matter: Building the Next Generation of Scientists in Chicago Undergraduate student research experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics offer a springboard to graduate school program enrollment and scientific progress in the Chicago region and beyond.

How a Biopharma Hub and their Entrepreneurial Fellows are Placing Chicago as a Center of Biotech Innovation The Chicago Biomedical Consortium applies venture-level rigor, industry expertise, and patient capital to transform early scientific discoveries into investable ideas in and for Chicago and beyond.

Funding Science at the Molecular Level to Decipher Dementia With an endowed gift from the Walder Foundation, the Bloomberg School created the Walder Foundation Distinguished Professorship. If you are an existing grantee looking to clarify future areas of funding alignment and timing of opportunities, please email your program team member.

If you are new to Walder Foundation and think your work aligns with our strategies and goals, please complete a concept note (one paragraph in length) via this link . If there is project alignment, a staff member will contact you.