Today at noon, Esther Tranchemontagne, Luc Sirois and Yves Mauffette took part in the round table «Philanthropy as a booster of scientific development» hosted by INRS CEO Luc-Alain Giraldeau. Right from the start, the three participants emphasized the uniqueness of INRS and what makes it attractive to philanthropists, individual donors and major donors alike. This is primarly because of the INRS multidisciplinary research projects that generate positive and tangible results, and the quality of its graduates who hold important decision-making positions in all levels of society. How do we continue to build upon this tradition of innovation that have contributed to the reputation of INRS? By successfully raising additional funds, with philanthropy playing a central role as a way of fueling the development of scientific research and training.
What we learned:
- The type of brilliant and thorough multidisciplinary research done by INRS takes time to become meaningful and productive. It goes beyond innovation and looks at ways of transferring this new knowledge from the lab into society. Industry doesn't fund research at that level. It's therefore necessary to rely on philanthropy.
- When it comes to funding scientific research, we mostly refer to grants and bursaries. Leveraging philanthropy as a development tool for scientific research in Quebec is not yet common but it's necessary. This is how we can build a network between a community like that of INRS and stakeholders.
- The new generation of philanthropists supports causes that are close to their heart, and tangible and sustainable initiatives that they know will have a direct impact on social issues that concern them. This attitude was reinforced with the pandemic and by a common will to work together to achieve collective good.
What the INRS and INRS Foundation can do:
- INRS has been innovating for more than 50 years and the Foundation must do the same when it comes to its philanthropic approach.
- It's always a challenge to integrate philanthropy completely to the point where it becomes part of our values but the Foundation can play a key role in supporting the culture of giving daily within INRS community.
- The Foundation can also invest the time and effort needed to build relationships and lead forward-looking projects that connect donors, researchers, graduates, and communities.
- Local philanthropy can become global philanthropy. For instance, a INRS graduate can give back to her alma mater, a researcher-professor can offer a scholarchip to a deserving student, and a major donor can fund a society project. Each giving level is important and the Foundation can provide a framework for all these initiatives done in collaboration with the different stakeholders.
How alumni and other members of the INRS community can help:
- INRS is a well-kept secret! However, our research projects and the leadership positions held by our graduates contribute to improving people's lives on a daily basis. We have to highlight our accomplishments, make them accessible, and share their positive impact to educate potential donors.
- As a INRS graduate, you're also a INRS Ambassador within your own community. Your current role and the complex issues that you're able to tackle are a direct result of the high-quality training you received at lNRS. Get in touch with the Foundation to share your successes and those of your colleagues. This will serve to directly engage potential donors who will contribute to the advancement of scientific research but also offer financial support to young innovators and help launch their career.
- Take a look at the Foundation's Impulsion INRS initiatives to have concrete examples of INRS research projects that bring real and meaninful benefits to society.
Join us tomorrow, Tuesday, October 19 at noon for: The perspective of partners and donors. .
Be there, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter and share!
Guidelines to follow events on Zoom were sent to you by email and can be found online on the INRS Foundation website. The events will also be available on YouTube later on.