Beyond Federal Dollars: How Science Communication Positions
Institutions for New Investments

Part of the VentureWell Innovation in Action Learning Series

Wednesday, August 27, 2025, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

(UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

With federal funding for higher education on the decline, institutions must rethink how they position their research to attract new sources of investment. This session will explore how strategic science communication can help unlock non-federal funding—from philanthropic foundations and corporate partners to local and regional funders.

Crafting compelling narratives is the focus of this session, as we equip attendees with insights and tools to help their research resonate and their institutions stand out.

Join us Wednesday, Aug. 27, from 1 to 2 p.m. ET for a live, one-hour conversation with Federico Pardo, Emmy Award–winning filmmaker, National Geographic Explorer, and science communicator known for transforming complex scientific ideas into compelling visual stories.

He’ll be joined by M Jackson, TED Fellow, Fulbright-National Science Foundation scholar, and member of VentureWell’s federal innovation team, who will moderate the session and share insights on how institutions can sharpen their storytelling to drive results.

Attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions in advance and during the session.

Register Now

About the Speakers

Ashley Huderson

 

M Jackson is a TED Fellow, three-time Fulbright Scholar, and climate change expert who works on the federal innovation team at VentureWell, focusing on NSF and NIH I-Corps™ courses. She holds a Ph.D. in glaciology and has led fieldwork and science communication efforts around the globe. Learn more here.

Leslee Gilbert

 

Federico Pardo is a Colombian biologist, Emmy Award–winning filmmaker, and National Geographic Explorer. With more than 15 years of experience in science communication, conservation storytelling, and impact-driven media, he specializes in transforming complex ideas into compelling visual narratives. His work has been featured by National Geographic, PBS, and Apple TV. Learn more here.