Next phase of initiative to focus on continuing to build long-term clinical research capacity, developing future healthcare leaders, and strengthening partnerships that advance healthcare innovation.
DURHAM, N.C. – The Novartis US Foundation has selected FHI 360 to serve as the Coordinating Center for Beacon of Hope, a 10-year, $50 million initiative that will strengthen clinical research excellence and capacity and expand pathways into health and research careers through collaboration with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), including three Historically Black Medical Schools, and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
As Coordinating Center, FHI 360 will provide program management, technical assistance, and grantmaking, and inform evaluation to help strengthen clinical research capacity, support workforce development, and advance collaboration across the Beacon of Hope network. The initiative’s next phase will focus on three areas that help build long-lasting capability for the future of clinical research and healthcare innovation:
- Clinical Trials Centers of Excellence (CoEs): As the Beacon of Hope Coordinating Center (BOHCC), FHI 360 will support efforts to strengthen research infrastructure and capacity at the CoEs at Howard University College of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, and Morehouse School of Medicine. The BOHCC will also provide technical assistance and coordination support to Morehouse School of Medicine’s Center of Excellence for Digital Health Validation, which serves as a national resource for data-driven healthcare research and AI innovation.
- Enabling the next generation of leaders: Beacon of Hope Pathways to Clinical Research Careers is a new fellowship, facilitated by the BOHCC, that aims to prepare future clinical research professionals through a clinical trials training program for HBCU students. Applications open September 2026, with the inaugural fellowship class announced in November.
- Growing an industry coalition: Novartis and the Novartis US Foundation will continue to grow the Beacon of Hope Industry Coalition, bringing together organizations committed to supporting the initiative’s long-term goals alongside current partners, including Sanofi, Merck, and Amgen.
“Beacon of Hope is about building something that lasts. It’s an investment in the people, institutions, and partnerships that can strengthen clinical research capacity for years to come,” says Beacon of Hope Coordinating Center Director Kendra Driver. “We’re honored to serve as Coordinating Center for this next phase, working in support of the Novartis US Foundation, HBCUs, and industry partners to expand clinical trial and data innovation capacity, empower the next generation of research leaders, and support greater participation in clinical research that shapes the future of healthcare innovation.”
For more information about Beacon of Hope, including the upcoming Pathways program, visit the Beacon of Hope website.
About Beacon of Hope
The Novartis US Foundation and Novartis founded Beacon of Hope (BOH) in 2021 as a 10-year partnership with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) aiming to advance effective, measurable solutions reducing barriers to accessing healthcare innovation and reimagining healthcare workforce pathways.
As part of this effort, the Novartis US Foundation is supporting three Historically Black Medical Schools, focusing efforts on advancing representative clinical trials and validating data and AI approaches within their patient populations.
About the Novartis US Foundation
The mission of the Novartis US Foundation is to improve health in underserved communities in the United States by creating innovative and sustainable solutions to expand access to healthcare and build trust within the healthcare system.
About FHI 360
FHI 360 is a global organization that mobilizes research, resources and relationships so people everywhere have access to the opportunities they need to lead full and healthy lives. FHI 360 serves as the Coordinating Center for the Beacon of Hope, providing centralized leadership, strategy, and technical assistance to achieve BOH’s long term goals.
Contact:
For more information, reach out to: bohcc@fhi360.org