From the rise of chronic diseases to the health impacts of climate change, societies in France and around the world face unprecedented health challenges. Millions are affected by cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and neglected conditions, while misinformation and unequal access to care make prevention and treatment even more difficult. Addressing these issues requires innovative research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the support of donors who want to make a real impact.
On World Health Day, we highlight Fondation Inserm, the partner foundation of the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm). Fondation Inserm supports research that tackles many of these urgent health problems, driving health improvements with wide-reaching applications. We spoke with Frédérique Chegaray, Director of Philanthropy and at Fondation Inserm, about how the foundation works, its priorities, and the impact of donor support.
Can you describe the mission of Fondation Inserm and explain how Inserm differs from other research institutions in France?
Fondation Inserm mobilizes private funds to support biomedical and health research conducted in Inserm laboratories. Inserm stands out for its unique positioning: it spans the full continuum of research, from fundamental biology to translational and clinical studies. This model enables discoveries to move quickly from the lab to patient care, supported by strong connections with hospitals. As a global leader, Inserm conducts 52% of its work through international collaborations and is the top European patent filer in its sector.
How does Fondation Inserm support researchers, whether through funding, infrastructure, or collaboration?
We support researchers by funding innovative projects, often at key stages or in areas underfunded by public grants. We also foster interdisciplinary collaborations and connections with private partners. The foundation helps develop structured programs, facilitates the emergence of new research themes, and promotes scientific work to the public and to donors.
How do you define your current research priorities, particularly in areas such as the environment, vulnerable populations, chronic diseases, and access to reliable health information?
Fondation Inserm sets priorities based on the urgency of global health challenges and their societal impact. Our strategy focuses on four main areas:
- Prevention: Prioritizing cardiovascular diseases—the leading cause of death worldwide—and metabolic conditions.
- Reducing inequalities: Focusing on women’s health, a historically underfunded area (less than 2% of global funds), including mental health.
- Risk anticipation: Understanding the impact of climate change on health and combating antibiotic resistance, which could cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050.
- Innovation: Supporting new research directions and using technologies to accelerate tomorrow’s therapies.
How do the research projects you support translate into tangible outcomes, such as advances in prevention, diagnosis, or patient care? Can you provide an example?
The impact of our research is measured by its ability to transform patients’ daily lives, from diagnosis to advanced treatments. Examples include:
- Prevention tools like Nutri-Score, which already influences millions of dietary choices in France.
- Diagnosis: Projects like the ComPaRe-Fibromes cohort shed light on neglected conditions, such as fibroids, which affect one in four women.
- Patient care innovations: Our researchers are developing breakthroughs like NM102, a molecule that combats antibiotic resistance without harming the microbiome, and preparing needle-free vaccines applied via simple skin massage.
Why is access to reliable health information an important part of your mission, and how do you approach this work?
Access to trustworthy information is critical in an era of widespread misinformation. Fondation Inserm is committed to producing scientific content that is accurate, educational, and accessible. We develop awareness tools and materials for the public to improve understanding of health issues and encourage behaviors that support prevention and overall well-being.
How does Fondation Inserm adapt its approach to address new global health challenges?
We adapt to contemporary challenges such as women’s health, aging, chronic disease, climate change, and mental health. The foundation promotes a cross-disciplinary approach and encourages long-term donor engagement, which allows researchers to take risks and explore innovative solutions. This agile structure enables us to respond quickly to emerging health needs while having local impact.
Why is philanthropy essential to advancing Inserm’s research and contributing to health progress in France and internationally?
Philanthropy accelerates research by funding innovative projects that may be too exploratory for traditional grants and by allowing rapid responses to emerging challenges. It also supports new research areas and reinforces the independence of science for the public good.
Why did you choose to collaborate with Friends of Fondation de France, and why is international donor support important?
Working with Friends of Fondation de France opens French research to international donors, enabling global funding mobilization and increasing the visibility of Inserm projects. Given that health challenges are global, international philanthropy is essential to amplify the impact of our research.
Supporting Fondation Inserm
U.S. donors can make a meaningful impact by supporting Fondation Inserm’s research programs, which focus on environmental health, chronic disease, vulnerable populations’ health, and access to reliable health information. To learn more and contribute, visit their page on our website.
