To establish multidisciplinary, basic science research that will support leading scientists at Harvard Medical School and at foremost institutions in Italy, in the pursuit of knowledge and scientific discovery for the benefit of humankind, in the fields of medicine and agriculture.

The Giovanni Armenise Harvard Foundation supports basic research in biomedical science, helping outstanding scientists pursue their vision and advance our understanding of key pathological mechanisms.

The Foundation is based in Boston, Massachusetts at Harvard Medical School, but devotes a significant part of its budget to Italy, and to fostering scientific collaborations across the Atlantic.

The Giovanni Armenise Harvard Foundation was created in 1996 by the late Count Giovanni Auletta Armenise, and is now chaired by his son, Count Giampiero Auletta Armenise.

Our president is Dr. George Q. Daley, Dean of Harvard Medical School.

Since its inception, the Foundation has supported research activities at Harvard Medical School and at many institutes in Italy, with several different programs (see listing under Programs heading at the top of the page) that have evolved throughout the years, based on the changing needs of researchers and the economic outlook. It has also promoted collaborative programs between HMS and the Italian scientific institutions.

In addition, the Foundation has sponsored a series of international symposia that have brought together hundreds of American and Italian scientists (see Our Scientists heading at the top of the page) to share their work and ideas. It offers grant and fellowship programs supporting individual scientists at Harvard Medical School , through the Junior Faculty Grant Program, and in Italy. In particular, it helps outstanding young researchers to establish their own research laboratory in Italy with the Career Development Award Program.  And it encourages careers in science for young Italian university and medical students through its Summer Fellowship Program.

It also sponsors two Professorships in Boston: The Giovanni Armenise Harvard Foundation Professorship in Basic Biomedical Science at Harvard Medical School and the Giovanni Armenise Harvard Foundation Professorship in Neurology at the Massachusetts General Hospital.

“What the Foundation has achieved in its first 20 years is a remarkably successful set of programs that have become a main conduit for collaboration and exchange between Italy and the US.  It has attracted incredibly talented investigators, created a trans-oceanic community, and has proven that it is possible to realize the dream of our founder.”