On June 27, 2025, Naomi Azrieli and Mira Puri, Manager of Science Initiatives, attended the Simons Foundation Tribute to the late Jim Simons, in New York. Jim Simons was a legendary mathematician and philanthropist who founded the Simons Foundation in 1994, to advance research in basic science and mathematics.
The symposium was hosted by Jim’s wife Marilyn, co-Founder and Board Chair of the Simons Foundation, and attended by Foundation leaders from across the US, the heads of several academic institutions, scientists and other invited guests.
Guest speakers included: Cori Bargmann, the Torsten N. Wiesel Professor and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Rockefeller University, and Jennifer Doudna, the Li Ka Shing Chancellor’s Chair in Biomedical and Health Sciences and Professor of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology at the University of California, Berkeley. Doudna, a Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, is also the subject of Walter Isaacson’s acclaimed book, ‘The Code Breaker.’
Naomi was invited to participate in a panel, moderated by Science Philanthropy Alliance President France Cordova, about ‘The Need for Private Philanthropic Investment in Basic Research,’ along with Heather Templeton Dill, President of the John Templeton Foundation.
The Templeton Foundation funds primarily basic science research projects, as well as interdisciplinary and exploratory areas. Their total giving to date (since 1987) is approximately $2.4B and they have a long history of funding to universities and think tanks in Canada.
Panelists were asked why their Foundations have chosen science as a focus area, how philanthropy can help level the playing field and provide more opportunity in science, and how to stay true to their organizations’ missions, even in a changing world.
Naomi noted the Azrieli Foundation’s commitment to funding basic science in the area of neurodevelopmental disorders as a “critical investment in future innovation and treatments,” and noted that philanthropic investment helps to ensure long-term visioning beyond typical scientific grant cycles. She also mentioned the importance of a “person and family-centred approach to assessing impact,” which often lies outside of the academic measures of success, and why leaving room for creativity and curiosity in research, is key.
“How will we ensure flexibility for innovative sparks along the way?” she asked. “We look at every opportunity on its merit, so we can formulate something that will be creative and forward-thinking.”
Naomi noted the importance of staying true to the mission, vision and values of a long-lived organization even as times change and evolve, but also being flexible enough to pivot when circumstances call for it. She underscored how supporting science research and innovation has been critical in fulfilling the Azrieli Foundation’s mission to improve the lives of present and future generations.
“Every major technological advance that has positively influenced our economy, our society, our life as we know it – it’s origin is in science,” said Naomi. “Everything relates back to that, so when we support it and nurture it, we can be assured that we will see the progress we know is possible.”
