The Invitrogen Foundation celebrated the launch of its first grant programs at a dinner reception attended by sociobiologist E.O. Wilson, Ph.D., actor and conservationist Harrison Ford, and leaders of the biotechnology community on June 18, 2008 at the U.S. Grant Hotel in San Diego, California. The Invitrogen Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Invitrogen Corporation also announced it has doubled its initial funding commitment to $2 million to support programs and organizations dedicated to increasing participation in and understanding of the life sciences.
    “We’re very pleased that the Invitrogen Foundation is making its first grants dedicated to increasing scientific literacy,” said Greg Lucier, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Invitrogen. “It was an honor to hear Dr. Wilson and Harrison Ford share their perspectives on the importance of science education, particularly as it relates to the environment, with the leaders of biotechnology companies from around the world. They have used their unique talents and perspectives to champion conservation and appreciation of the life sciences, and their efforts serve as a model for all of us.”

The Invitrogen Foundation is committed to strengthening the pipeline of future life scientists. Funding and partnership opportunities that address the following areas of interest will be considered:

• Life science education for students, beginning at the high school level
• Professional development for high school and community college instructors
• Programs that are broad in scope and reach students and/or educators from a variety of geographic locations are preferred.
• Special consideration is also given to programs that target groups traditionally underrepresented in the life sciences, including but not limited to women and diverse populations

Through outreach and education, the Invitrogen Foundation also seeks to increase society’s understanding of the life sciences and their critical role in addressing global issues. Programs and initiatives that address these objectives are preferred:

• Educating community leaders about the importance of life science, particularly as it relates to education, economic strength and global health
• Activities and initiatives that demonstrate thought leadership
• Museum and traveling exhibits, community events and public lectures, that reach a broad, cross-section of the population
• Special consideration is also given to programs that have a global dimension

The Invitrogen Foundation will consider requests from national and international organizations with a broad reach.  Local organizations within communities where Invitrogen has a presence are welcome to apply. The Invitrogen Foundation will generally not consider a local request from outside our geographic areas of operation.