Academic and Private partnerships to Advance Science: A collaborative and synergistic funding model

Traditional funding for advancing science typically rely on single funding mechanisms, such as NIH. Here we highlight the importance of private corporations joining forces with academics to advance science by providing limited funds and access to populations to study. Francis E. Parker Memorial Home, Inc. decided in 2009 to dedicate funds to advance science related to long-term services. The impetus for this was Parker's mission to provide transformative long-term care services while advancing learning opportunities for health care professionals and caregivers. Parker's vision is to be a role model in providing person-centered skilled nursing care, and a resource to long-term care professionals, educators, and communities in which they serve. As the initiative for fulfilling its mission and vision, three pilot studies were funded in July 2010. They were completed by October 2011 and the results are being disseminated to residents, families, and staff.

One pilot award recipient was able to leverage its pilot to receive additional funds to conduct a follow up study. Through this example of partnership between a long term care provider and research institute, the team of researchers was able to access staff, residents, and family members for interviews and medical chart reviews in a way that would have been difficult through traditional mechanisms. The strong top-down commitment to research allowed for ‘buy in' from all employees that not only facilitated but collaborated in the research efforts. This allowed for novel and innovative advancement in science and the opportunity to share results with residents, families, and staff.