BrightFocus Foundation Names Diane Bovenkamp Vice President, Scientific Affairs

Clarksburg, MD—BrightFocus Foundation, a leading private funder of research on diseases of mind and sight, has named Diane Bovenkamp, PhD, as its new Vice President, Scientific Affairs.

Dr. Bovenkamp will oversee all of BrightFocus’ research programs, serve as the scientific liaison for the organization in local, national, and international forums, and identify and develop new research initiatives, partnerships, and funding policies to advance the mission of BrightFocus.

She was previously the foundation’s Scientific Program Officer, responsible for the scientific execution of BrightFocus’ three peer-reviewed research programs in the fields of Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma, and regularly speaking at major national and international scientific conferences. BrightFocus currently has a global research portfolio of over 150 active projects, and has funded nearly $32 million in the last three years alone.

“I am excited about this new opportunity to join the senior leadership team at BrightFocus. Through the generosity of our donors and the guidance of our scientific review committees, we are able to support some of the most innovative science in the world. I am very hopeful for the future of research to end diseases of mind and sight,” Dr. Bovenkamp said.

Dr. Bovenkamp obtained her PhD in Biochemistry from Queen’s University in Canada, and has also conducted research at Harvard Medical School and Johns Hopkins University. In addition, Dr. Bovenkamp brings extensive experience communicating complex, evidence-based health and research information to the public, carried out while she was the Science Communications Specialist at BrightFocus Foundation, and the Director of Science Information and Programs at the Foundation Fighting Blindness.

Read more about Dr. Bovenkamp.

“Diane brings strong passion and commitment to identifying and supporting world-class research. She is widely known and deeply respected across the scientific community for championing innovative research and fostering creative collaborations,” said Stacy Pagos Haller, President and CEO of BrightFocus Foundation.

For more information on BrightFocus visit BrightFocus.org or follow the foundation on Twitter, Facebook, and other social media channels.