Philanthropists on the Couch

Colombo House (B16) - UNSW Colleges - Colombo Theatre B, Kensington, NSW

Friday, October 16  •  4:30 PM - 7:15 PM

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Leading philanthropists explain how funders choose projects, build relationships, and where philanthropy fits alongside other funding.

About this event

Philanthropic funding is one of the least understood and most underused pathways to advancing health and medical research in Australia. In this relaxed, "couch conversation" format panel, four leading figures in Australian philanthropy sit down for a discussion about what philanthropic funders are really looking for, how relationships with foundations are built (not just applied for), and where philanthropy fits alongside government and industry funding across the research translation journey.

Whether you're an early-career researcher wondering where to start, or a senior clinician-researcher looking to diversify your funding base, this session is designed to demystify philanthropy and give you knowledge from the people who make these decisions.

Meet the panel

Keith Drewery — Director, Drewery Consulting
Keith has advised private clients, family offices and family businesses for over three decades, beginning his career in London before moving to Sydney in 1994. He has served on the boards of several private charitable foundations, including over a decade on the board of the National Foundation for Medical Research and Innovation (NFMRI), and continues to sit on private ancillary fund boards and investment and advisory committees.

Dr Dave Kennedy, Fundraising strategist and consultant
Dr Dave is a veteran grant maker, fundraiser, giving advocate and donor. He is the former Executive Director of Chuck Feeney’s The Atlantic Philanthropies (AP) Australia, where he managed grants in excess of $250m which helped to build more than $1b in university and medical research buildings. He has personally helped to raise more than $60m in philanthropic gifts. He is also the founder of igiveonepercent.org.

Dr Andrew Cottrill, Chief Medical Officer, HCF
Andrew is a long-standing committee member of the National Foundation for Medical Research and Innovation (NFMRI) and brings a health-funder's perspective on where philanthropic and industry investment intersect with clinical need.

Dr Noel Chambers, CEO, National Foundation for Medical Research and Innovation (NFMRI)
Noel has more than 20 years' experience spanning start-ups, commercial research and biotechnology, and has led NFMRI in funding and partnering with biomedical researchers across diagnostics, vaccines, gene therapy and beyond including over $45 million in leveraged external support for NFMRI-funded projects.

Panel moderated by Professor Julie-Anne White — Executive Director of the Maridulu Budyari Gumal Sydney Partnership for Health, Education, Research and Enterprise (SPHERE).
Prof White oversees SPHERE's strategy, partnerships and investment priorities as it works to accelerate research translation and drive better health outcomes across the Sydney health ecosystem.

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