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News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from U.S. foundations.

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Drs. Mehmet Altan, Valsamo Anagnostou, and Zofia Piotrowska Receive 2017 LUNGevity Career Development Awards

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The LUNGevity Foundation issued the following news release:

LUNGevity Foundation today announced the recipients of its 2017 Career Development Awards (CDA) for lung cancer research. These coveted awards fund critical lung cancer research projects and offer the recipients world-class mentorship by LUNGevity's prestigious Scientific Advisory Board.

"LUNGevity created the CDAs to identify outstanding scientists early in their careers and encourage their continued development in the field of lung cancer research to grow a strong pipeline of dedicated lung cancer researchers," ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The LUNGevity Foundation issued the following news release: LUNGevity Foundation today announced the recipients of its 2017 Career Development Awards (CDA) for lung cancer research. These coveted awards fund critical lung cancer research projects and offer the recipients world-class mentorship by LUNGevity's prestigious Scientific Advisory Board. "LUNGevity created the CDAs to identify outstanding scientists early in their careers and encourage their continued development in the field of lung cancer research to grow a strong pipeline of dedicated lung cancer researchers,"says Charles Rudin, MD, PhD, Professor and Chief, Thoracic Oncology Service, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and chair of LUNGevity's Scientific Advisory Board. "We work closely with these researchers with the hope of seeing them become the next generation of scientific superstars."

LUNGevity is proud to support the following researchers its 2017 Career Development Awards:

Mehmet Altan, MD, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Identification of predictive markers of toxicity to immunotherapy. Dr. Altan will work to develop a way to predict which patients are most likely to develop serious side effects from some types of immunotherapy - these side effects can limit use of the treatments. Once patients can be flagged as high-risk for tissue damage, measures can be taken to limit the tissue damage proactively; patients may then experience better outcomes with their immunotherapy.

Valsamo Anagnostou, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins University, Dynamics of neoantigen landscape during immunotherapy in lung cancer. Dr. Anagnostou will leverage an existing clinical trial to discover why some patients become resistant to immunotherapy and to get a handle on how to help them overcome the resistance.

Zofia Piotrowska, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital, Overcoming heterogeneity and resistance in EGFR-mutant NSCLC. Dr. Piotrowska intends to uncover the reason a subset of lung cancer patients develop resistance to their best option for treatment: a third-generation EGFR-blocking tyrosine kinase inhibitor drug. In addition, she will study a new combination of drugs in a clinical trial that may help patients who develop this type of drug resistance.

"We have seen a lot of great progress in treating lung cancer, and we still need to better understand how lung cancer develops resistance to drugs, and why some patients experience side effects from treatment," notes Upal Basu Roy, PhD, MPH, director of LUNGevity's translational science research program. "Our funding this year's group of awardees will help make progress in facing these challenges and continue to improve outcomes for lung cancer patients."

Each of these prestigious three-year awards is for $100,000 per year, renewable in the second and third years based on research progress. Awardees serve as non-voting members of LUNGevity's distinguished Scientific Advisory Board for the terms of their awards. Awardees are mentored by senior lung cancer experts at their own institutions as well as by experts from the Scientific Advisory Board.

Under the guidance of LUNGevity's Scientific Advisory Board, a group of 21 prominent scientists and researchers, LUNGevity ensures that grants are awarded to the researchers whose proposals demonstrate the greatest potential for finding lung cancer at its earliest, most treatable phase, as well as extending and improving lives for lung cancer survivors.

LUNGevity is the only lung cancer organization with a programmatic focus on early detection and a robust Career Development Award Program. Our researchers are working on finding a better way to detect lung cancer, and to better diagnose, treat, and prevent its recurrence. The foundation's overall research program, including CDA awards, is a crucial factor in moving the science forward to improve outcomes for people living with lung cancer.

2017 Salzburg Trilogue: Actively Managing Globalization

GUTERSLOH, Germany, Aug. 21 -- The Bertelsmann Foundation issued the following news release:

The 2017 Salzburg Trilogue, sponsored organized by the Bertelsmann Stiftung, dealt with the complex phenomena presented by globalization. The topic of the conference was "A Closer Look at Globalization - The Positive and Negative Facets of a Complex Phenomenon." The debate focused not only on international trade and manufacturing, but also on the free exchange of ideas and knowledge, the reciprocal influences of cultures and traditions, as well as international migration.

The 29 participants from 15 countries ... Show Full Article GUTERSLOH, Germany, Aug. 21 -- The Bertelsmann Foundation issued the following news release: The 2017 Salzburg Trilogue, sponsored organized by the Bertelsmann Stiftung, dealt with the complex phenomena presented by globalization. The topic of the conference was "A Closer Look at Globalization - The Positive and Negative Facets of a Complex Phenomenon." The debate focused not only on international trade and manufacturing, but also on the free exchange of ideas and knowledge, the reciprocal influences of cultures and traditions, as well as international migration. The 29 participants from 15 countriescame to the conclusion that politics, business and culture need to actively engage with the challenges of globalization. Their central demand: to more closely pursue the United Nations' sustainable development goals (SDG) in order to safeguard standards in the key areas of sustainability, business ethics, and the rule of law. After two rounds of intense discussions, the participants agreed that actively shaping the future of globalization was the way forward. It was necessary to learn from the past and develop strategies for managing globalization.

Liz Mohn, initiator of the Salzburg Trilogue, underscored this at the beginning of the event: "Globalization's accelerating pace over the last decades has amplified the interdependence of countries, regions and continents, while the parallel expansion of international trade relations has surely contributed to prosperity and thereby also world peace. Never before have people around the world enjoyed so many opportunities for development. Never before has the risk of being impacted by the repercussions of a crisis been so great. Hence, many are anxious about what the future holds and want for orientation. We are lacking common goals. We therefore have to ask ourselves: What are the goals of globalization?"

The participants adopted the Salzburg Recommendations at the end of the conference, which will be conveyed to EU institutions as well as international organizations after the Trilogue. These recommendations aim to support local and regional entities, as well as individuals, to cope better with managing change. Education opportunities were identified as essential for dealing positively with the effects of globalization. Defining concrete goals for globalization should help preserve the positive effects of globalization. This would include fair and sustainable international trade, courses of action for legal migration and against illegal migration, and the potential for collaboration to combat international crime and the shadow economy. At the same time, attention should be paid to the legitimate concerns and fears stemming from the negative effects of globalization.

Additional information

The Bertelsmann Stiftung's Salzburg Trilogue took place for the 16th time this year. This annual event brings together a small circle of international figures to address shifting future-oriented issues. This exchange of ideas, initiated by the Bertelsmann Stiftung, foregrounds diverse perspectives from business, politics and culture. Through dedicated discussions about values and principles, the trilogue has established itself as an extraordinary event over the years.

Parkside's Ahmed Awarded Collins Fund Scholarship

SALISBURY, Md., Aug. 18 -- The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore issued the following news release:

The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore (CFES) announces Ahmed M. Ahmed, a 2017 Parkside High School graduate, has received a $5,000 scholarship from the Irene Culver Collins & Louis Franklin Collins Scholarship Fund. The Collins Fund scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from Parkside High School who has successfully completed a minimum of three advanced placement social studies courses and two additional AP courses during their enrollment. Ahmed is attending Stanford University ... Show Full Article

JDRF, IBM Collaborate to Research Risk Factors for Type 1 Diabetes in Children

NEW YORK, Aug. 18 -- JDRF, charitable 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to funding type 1 diabetes research, issued the following news release:

IBM (NYSE: IBM) and JDRF, the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, today announced a new collaboration to develop and apply machine learning methods to analyze years of global T1D research data and identify factors leading to the onset of T1D in children.

T1D affects approximately 1.25 million Americans, and it currently does not have a cure. This research collaboration is expected to create an entry point for T1D in the ... Show Full Article NEW YORK, Aug. 18 -- JDRF, charitable 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to funding type 1 diabetes research, issued the following news release: IBM (NYSE: IBM) and JDRF, the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, today announced a new collaboration to develop and apply machine learning methods to analyze years of global T1D research data and identify factors leading to the onset of T1D in children. T1D affects approximately 1.25 million Americans, and it currently does not have a cure. This research collaboration is expected to create an entry point for T1D in thefield of precision medicine, by combining JDRF's connections to research teams around the globe and its subject matter expertise in T1D research with the technical capability and computing power of IBM.

"At JDRF, we are absolutely committed to seeing a world without type 1 diabetes, and with this partnership, we're adding some of the most advanced computing power in the world to our mission," said Derek Rapp, JDRF President and CEO. "JDRF supports researchers all over the world, but never before have we been able to analyze their data comprehensively, in a way that can tell us why some children who are at risk get T1D and others do not. IBM's analysis of the existing data could open the door to understanding the risk factors of T1D in a whole new way, and to one day finding a way to prevent T1D altogether."

IBM scientists will look across at least three different data sets and apply machine learning algorithms to help find patterns and factors at play, with the goal of identifying ways that could delay or prevent T1D in children. In order to match variables and data formats and compare the differing data sets, the scientists plan to leverage previously collected data from global research projects. Data analysis will explore the inclusion of genetic, familial, autoantibody and other variables to create a foundational set of features that is common to all data sets. The models that will be produced will quantify the risk for T1D from the combined dataset using this foundational set of features. As a result, JDRF will be in a better position to identify top predictive risk factors for T1D, cluster patients based on top risk factors, and explore a number of data-driven models for predicting onset.

"Nearly 40,000 new cases of type 1 diabetes will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year. And each new patient creates new records and new data points that, if leveraged, could provide additional understanding of the disease," says Jianying Hu, Senior Manager and Program Director, Center for Computational Health at IBM Research. "The deep expertise our team has in artificial intelligence applied to healthcare data makes us uniquely positioned to help JDRF unlock the insights hidden in this massive data set and advance the field of precision medicine towards the prevention and management of diabetes."

Future phases of the collaboration may consist of furthering the analysis of big data toward the goal of better understanding causes of T1D. They may also consist of analyzing more complex datasets, such as microbiome and genomics or transcriptomics data. Finally, but no less importantly, the knowledge gained through these efforts could also help JDRF in its pursuit of a cure for people with T1D.

ABOUT JDRF

JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $2 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout the United States and our six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org or follow us on Twitter: @JDRF.

ABOUT IBM RESEARCH

For more than seven decades, IBM Research has defined the future of information technology with more than 3,000 researchers in 12 labs located across six continents. Scientists from IBM Research have produced six Nobel Laureates, 10 U.S. National Medals of Technology, five U.S. National Medals of Science, six Turing Awards, 19 inductees in the National Academy of Sciences and 20 inductees into the U.S. National Inventors Hall of Fame. For more information about IBM Research, visit http://www.ibm.com/research.

ABOUT TYPE 1 DIABETES

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which a person's pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to get energy from food. It occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, called beta cells. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. Its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. There is nothing you can do to prevent T1D, and -- at present -- nothing you can do to get rid of it.

Hogg Foundation Issues Statement on Tragedy in Charlottesville

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 18 -- The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health issued the following statement:

The Hogg Foundation would like to offer condolences to all of those affected by the tragic events in Charlottesville, Virginia this past weekend. As always whenever a disaster occurs, our hearts are with the people directly affected, their families and communities.

At the same time, we should remember that there was nothing natural or inevitable about this tragedy. It was the direct result of the growing tide of hatred and intolerance in our country, one that all humanitarian organizations, and indeed ... Show Full Article AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 18 -- The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health issued the following statement: The Hogg Foundation would like to offer condolences to all of those affected by the tragic events in Charlottesville, Virginia this past weekend. As always whenever a disaster occurs, our hearts are with the people directly affected, their families and communities. At the same time, we should remember that there was nothing natural or inevitable about this tragedy. It was the direct result of the growing tide of hatred and intolerance in our country, one that all humanitarian organizations, and indeedall people have a responsibility to address and counter through all available peaceful means, traditional or unorthodox.

As a mental health foundation, hatred such as that which erupted in Charlottesville undermines everything that we and our philanthropic peers hope to achieve: a world in which past and present inequities are no longer a barrier to individual health and happiness. We recognize that our cardinal aim, improving mental health for Texans, cannot be achieved while our communities are fractured, divided and unequal.

We also recognize that racism and racial violence cause trauma. The connection couldn't be clearer: a world that is less racist, less intolerant, and less unequal is also one that is less traumatized. Just as clear: love, justice, humor and community are the nourishing conditions for mental health and wellness.

It is typical for this kind of tragedy to result in pleas for diversity and tolerance. We agree with such pleas and hope that they resound widely, but they are not sufficient. More urgent is that those of us who are relatively well fed, well housed, well educated, and well protected use our privilege, and marshal the resources we are lucky enough to have access to, to do our part to help heal an unjust world.

For alienated young people who are at risk of being seduced by racist indoctrination, this means understanding their lives well enough to offer alternatives. While we're barricading our own communities against the kind of hatred on display in Charlottesville, it is important that we offer not just condemnation, but the benefit of our knowledge to create evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies for vulnerable young minds.

Finally, it will also mean stepping out into spaces where we might not be comfortable, and going beyond the explicit guidance of our charters and by-laws. It is clear that we can't passively wait for responsible political leadership at a time when too many of our political leaders, of both parties, are willing to sacrifice moral leadership for short-term electoral gains. Those of us who know better must be willing to lead.

Harrisburg Hoopla Team Presents Check to Samara

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 18 -- The Foundation for Enhancing Communities issued the following news release:

Members of Team Has Beens, one of 14 teams to compete in Harrisburg Hoopla this past June, recently presented a check for $2,186.86 to Samara - The Center for Individual and Family Growth for general operating expenses.

"At Samara we are very excited to be the recipients of 1st prize in the Harrisburg Hoopla," said Samara Executive Director Pamela Haddad. "We will use the money to provide meals for parents and children as we work together to build strong relationships and form a healthy community." ... Show Full Article

AWF Mourns the Loss of Leading Elephant Conservationist, Wayne Lotter

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug. 18 -- The African Wildlife Foundation issued the following news:

The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) has learnt with great sadness about the death of renowned conservationist Wayne Lotter in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

A dedicated wildlife conservationist, Wayne was the director and co-founder of the PAMS Foundation and died doing what he loved most: protecting the African elephant. He devoted his life to Africa's wildlife, including while working as a ranger in his native South Africa and later leading the charge against poaching in Tanzania.

AWF President Kaddu Sebunya ... Show Full Article NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug. 18 -- The African Wildlife Foundation issued the following news: The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) has learnt with great sadness about the death of renowned conservationist Wayne Lotter in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A dedicated wildlife conservationist, Wayne was the director and co-founder of the PAMS Foundation and died doing what he loved most: protecting the African elephant. He devoted his life to Africa's wildlife, including while working as a ranger in his native South Africa and later leading the charge against poaching in Tanzania. AWF President Kaddu Sebunyasaid Africa has lost a visionary leader and mentor.

"Africa has lost a great friend and champion for wildlife. AWF worked with Wayne in Ruvuma and Selous in Tanzania, and we are saddened by his brutal murder on Wednesday, August 16, 2017. Our deepest condolences to his family and the PAMS team. Such a tragic loss for the African elephant," said Mr. Sebunya.

Mr. Sebunya said Wayne supported African rangers and dedicated himself to enabling them to grow and excel in their work.

In a message to the PAMS team, AWF Chief Operating Officer Jeff Chrisfield offered AWF's support to ensure that Wayne's work can continue after this tragic event.

"Wayne was one of the true heroes of conservation in Africa, and in the PAMS Foundation he created something larger than himself. As a conservation community we must stand together to ensure that his life's work continues." said Mr. Chrisfield.

Wayne was a brave crusader who supported efforts to curb wildlife trafficking. He is credited with developing an intelligence-based approach that helped stop runaway poaching in Tanzania.

"The threats to African elephants are real, and the war is far from being won. I believe Wayne would want all conservationists to join with other social forces to make every effort in winning this fight against poaching," added Mr. Sebunya.

AWF extends its deepest sympathies to Wayne's family, co-founder Krissie Clark, and the PAMS Foundation team.

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