$5 Million Gift from Zegar Family Foundation to Support Genomics and Systems Biology

NYU faculty, researchers, and students studying in the rapidly evolving field of genomics and systems biology received a major boost this month when the Zegar Family Foundation pledged $5 million in support of the ongoing research needs of the Center for Genomics and Systems Biology. The gift will establish the Zegar Family Foundation Fund at the center.

“I am inspired by the visionary leadership shown by the Zegar Family Foundation,” said NYU President John Sexton. “Our research in the field of genomics is part of what NYU is doing to make a meaningful contribution as a member of the international community. This line of inquiry will transform lives.”

The fund will be used to provide support for the center’s many research requirements, including seed money for research projects, research stipends, equipment and research materials, genomics-related seminars, and other programmatic needs. Allocations from the fund will be managed by a steering committee made up of faculty and members of the foundation, and they will determine the projects supported by this innovative new ffund.

“Support for the center is critical right now, as we move forward with our bold plans to build our new facility at 12-16 Waverly Place,” said Fabio Piano, associate professor of biology. “Genome science and systems biology is thriving at NYU, and with support like this from the Zegar Family Foundation we will continue to be able to bring experts from many disciplines together to exchange ideas and chart new territories.”