Decorative
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Decorative
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Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC)

Science Philanthropy Ecosystem

Strong medical research systems are the cornerstone of global health and well-being. The Milken Institute Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC) has been bringing together funders and stakeholders from across disciplines to engage and build strong, thoughtful partnerships, growing the ecosystem in ways that lead to transformative science and health discoveries.

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Decorative
Decorative
Science Philanthropy Ecosystem

Programs

Our team brings deep expertise across a number of medical research fields, as well as many cross-disciplinary areas that are strengthening the research ecosystem. 

AI for Neurodegenerative Disease

The World Health Organization estimates that by the year 2040, neurodegenerative disease (ND) will be second only to heart disease...

AI in Health

We bring together funders and stakeholders from across disciplines to engage and build strong, thoughtful partnerships to grow the...

Computational Biology

Revolutionizing how to study, prevent, and treat disease to help people live longer and healthier.

Health Equity

Within the US, life expectancy can vary by as many as 15 years, depending on income level, education, and where an individual...

New Therapies

We work across the scientific ecosystem to identify barriers to progress and pinpoint opportunities to strategically engage in the...

Science Philanthropy Ecosystem
Highlights

Team

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Cara Altimus

Managing Director, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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Smiling female-presenting person of color with dark hair wearing a dark green shirt against a light gray background

Ishita Das

Associate Director, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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An woman with auburn hair and glasses in front of a building.

Taylor Evans

Senior Associate, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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Erin Ross

Director, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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A smiling woman with dark hair inside a building.

Samantha Kost

Senior Associate, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy
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A smiling caucasian female-presenting person with brown hair wearing a white shirt against a green foliage background

Kara Whelply

Associate Director, SPARC, Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy