iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 01/10/2026

Congratulations to former Synergy and Innovator Awards grantee Sidhartha Sinha, MD, who received the 2026 Sherman Emerging Leader Prize! Read more about Dr. Sinha and how he turns unconventional ideas into new possibilities for IBD: shermanprize.org/prize-recipi...

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 21/09/2026

“The Endless Frontier” features three scientists working to solve things like disease & climate change while revealing the growing threat to the American research engine & what’s at stake for all of us if it falters. Catch a screening of the film this month: www.endlessfrontierfilm.com/screenings

A film poster for "The Endless Frontier," a film by two-time Emmy-winner Marilyn Ness. It features a ticking clock shown over a protest with three scientists working in different fields. Text reads, "What if the next breakthrough never comes?"

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 16/09/2026

In July, we hosted our 14th annual Innovations Symposium. Over 160 researchers gathered in San Francisco to share research findings, engage in dialogue and spark new ideas and collaborations. Read about the event: krfoundation.org/news/health/... 📸 1-8: Mitch Tobias 📸 9-10: Jake N Photoz

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 18/08/2026

Clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company Tvardi Therapeutics, Inc. is hosting a webinar on Wed, Aug 19, featuring former grantee Dr. Randy Longman. Tune in to hear about the current treatment landscape in ulcerative colitis and the unmet needs that remain: ir.tvarditherapeutics.com/news-release...

An informational graphic that reads, "KOL Webinar on the Clinical Potential of TTI-109 in Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and the Evolving Treatment Landscape. Featuring: Randy Longman, MD, PhD, Weill Cornell Medicine. Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 11 AM ET."

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 06/08/2026

Kick off Oakland Pride at Cinemama’s fourth Reel Queer Flix on August 12. The lineup includes 2025 Rainin Arts Fellow Kyle Casey Chu’s “Betty St. Clair” and “Thanks, Babs!” directed by our CEO Jen Rainin & Board Member Rivkah Beth Medow. Get tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/reel-queer...

A black graphic with neon text that reads, "cinemama presents Reel Queer Flix 4 Wed, August 12, 2026, at the Grand Lake Theatre Oakland"

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 03/08/2026

We’re now accepting Letters of Inquiry for our Innovator Awards. We encourage researchers from across the globe who are interested in improving the prevention, prediction, diagnosis and treatment of IBD to apply.

A blue graphic with white text that reads, "Funding Opportunity | Innovator Awards | Individual & Collaborative IBD Research Grants | Apply August 3-September 30." It features an image of a researcher pointing at her findings on a digital screen.

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 21/07/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us at #InnovationsSymposium2026! Hearing about the important work of this scientific community and the progress being made in #IBD research always brings us hope. Mark your calendars to meet us back in San Francisco next year.

A graphic with an image of the Bay Bridge and text that reads, “Save The Date: 2027 Innovations Symposium. July 18-20, 2027. Palace Hotel, San Francisco, California.”

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 21/07/2026

Florian Rieder, MD, of the Florian Rieder Laboratory at Cleveland Clinic, is presenting on cracking the nut of stricturing Crohn’s disease. #InnovationsSymposium2026 Learn more about his research into new ways to treat IBD patients with established strictures: www.lerner.ccf.org/inflammation...

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 21/07/2026

Kathy McCoy, PhD, of the McCoy Lab at University of Calgary, is presenting on the identification and targeting of patient-specific pathobionts in IBD. #InnovationsSymposium2026 Learn more about her work on the interplay between gut microbiota and immune systems: www.kathymccoylab.ca/home

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 21/07/2026

Harmit Malik, PhD, of the Malik Lab at @fredhutch.org, is sharing about using evolution to enhance antiviral proteins. #InnovationsSymposium2026 Learn more about Dr. Malik’s work studying genetic conflict that can create problems for the host organism: research.fredhutch.org/malik/en.html

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 21/07/2026

Dr. Ken Cadwell of the Cadwell Lab (@cadwelllab.bsky.social) at University of Pennsylvania, is presenting on host adaptations to gut microbes. #InnovationsSymposium2026 Learn about his studies into how our immune system is regulated by infectious agents we encounter: www.med.upenn.edu/cadwell-lab/

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 21/07/2026

Clara Abraham, MD, @yaleschoolofmed.bsky.social, is presenting on unraveling connections: IBD genes and immunity. #InnovationsSymposium2026 Learn more about Dr. Abraham’s work investigating immune pathways that contribute to intestinal homeostasis and IBD: medicine.yale.edu/profile/clar...

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 21/07/2026

Gloria Choi, PhD, of the Choi Lab at Massachusetts Institute of Technology is sharing research into neuroimmune regulation of sickness behavior. #InnovationsSymposium2026 Learn more about her work studying the interaction of the immune system with the brain: picower.mit.edu/gloria-choi

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 21/07/2026

Kenya Honda, MD, PhD, of the Honda Lab at Keio University School of Medicine is presenting on the identification of microbiota members with the potential to shape host physiology. #InnovationsSymposium2026 Learn more about Dr. Honda’s work: www.microbiolimmunol.med.keio.ac.jp

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 21/07/2026

Early Career Catalyst Awardee Vivek Rudrapatna, MD, PhD, of the University of California, San Francisco is sharing about clinical AI for mechanistic science: from treatment heterogeneity to the origins of IBD. #InnovationsSymposium2026 Learn more about his work: medicine.ucsf.edu/people/vivek...

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 20/07/2026

Kate Fitzgerald, PhD, of the Fitzgerald Lab at @umasschan.bsky.social is sharing research on the regulation of inflammatory responses: from underlying mechanisms to therapeutic modulation. #InnovationsSymposium2026 Read more about her work: www.umassmed.edu/fitzgeraldlab

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 20/07/2026

Dr. James McCluskey of the McCluskey Lab at the University of Melbourne and The Doherty Institute is presenting on the emerging role of Mucosal Associated Invariant T cells and MR1-restricted T cell immunity. #InnovationsSymposium2026 Learn more about his work: www.doherty.edu.au/group/mcclus...

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 20/07/2026

Laura Mackay, PhD, of the Mackay Lab at the University of Melbourne and Doherty Institute is presenting on immunity in context: how tissues shape memory T cell responses. #InnovationsSymposium2026 Read more about her work: www.doherty.edu.au/group/laura-...

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 20/07/2026

Dr. Christoph Thaiss of Thaiss Lab at @arcinstitute.org, which operates in partnership with @stanforduniversity.bsky.social, is presenting on environment-gut-brain interactions. #InnovationsSymposium2026 Explore his work: arcinstitute.org/labs/thaisslab

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 20/07/2026

Karen Edelblum, PhD, of the Edelblum Lab (@edelblumlab.bsky.social) at Icahn School of Medicine, Mt. Sinai is presenting on gamma delta intraepithelial lymphocyte regulation of the intestinal barrier. #InnovationsSymposium2026 Read more about Dr. Edelblum’s work: www.edelblumlab.com/about-us

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 20/07/2026

Our first digital poster session is happening now at #InnovationsSymposium2026. Poster sessions offer space for researchers to dive into their latest findings and spark new ideas and collaborations.

Five people talking about research displayed on a screen during a digital poster session.

Eight people talking about research displayed on a screen during a digital poster session.

Seven people talking about research displayed on a screen during a digital poster session.

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 20/07/2026

We’re thrilled that our Early Career Catalyst Awardees are speaking at #InnovationsSymposium2026. Nicole Belle, MD, PhD, of the Belle Lab at @pennmedicine.bsky.social is sharing how LINGO2+ enteric neurons may be healing the gut. Read more about Dr. Belle’s work: www.med.upenn.edu/bellelab/

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 20/07/2026

Shizuo Akira, MD, PhD, of the Akira Lab at The University of Osaka is sharing research on Regnase-1: a central endoribonuclease that governs inflammation, immunity and metabolism. #InnovationsSymposium2026 Read more about Dr. Akira’s work: www.biken.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/laborator...

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 20/07/2026

Ramnik Xavier, MD, of the Xavier Lab at the @broadinstitute.org is presenting on aberrant tissue remodeling in treatment-resistant IBD. #InnovationsSymposium2026 Learn more about Dr. Xavier’s work translating human genetics to functional biology: www.broadinstitute.org/xavier-lab

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 20/07/2026

We’re excited to be back in San Francisco for #InnovationsSymposium2026! Researchers from around the world have gathered to share their latest IBD research findings during insightful presentations and poster sessions and create relationships that spark new ideas.

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 16/06/2026

We’re thrilled to share our latest Turning Points: Year in Review report. As we reflect on 2025, we are celebrating the beautiful power of showing up for each other. Read how our Arts, Education and Health grantees created space for care, connection and joy: krfoundation.org/year-in-revi...

A brown graphic with an image from “The Last 7 Days of OBSIDIENNE OBSURD,” produced by Oaklash, which combined drag, music, dance and theater to tell a story of trans identity and Chinese-American heritage. Text reads, "Turning Points 2025 | Year In Review."

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 05/06/2026

The film is an intimate, urgent portrait of three scientists working to solve some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from disease to climate change, while revealing the growing threat to the American research engine and what is at stake for us all if it falters.

A graphic showcasing a ticking clock and three scientists working in the field. Text reads, "What if the next breakthrough never comes? | The Endless Frontier | A film by two-time Emmy winner Marilyn Ness"

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 30/04/2026

Congratulations to our Chief Program Officer, Miyesha Perry, who was named one of Grantmakers for Effective Organizations’ 2026 Change Leaders in Philanthropy Fellows! www.geofunders.org/about-progra...

A Grantmakers for Effective Organizations graphic that includes headshots of the 2026 Change Leaders in Philanthropy Fellowship cohort and text that reads, "Change Leaders in Philanthropy Fellowship | Meet the 2026 Fellows."

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 22/04/2026

The 2026 Rainin Arts Fellow in Film is Cheryl Dunye. She has created numerous independent films and directed episodes for major television series including “Queen Sugar,” “Dear White People,” “Bridgerton,” “Lovecraft Country” and “The Hunting Wives.”

A teal graphic featuring Cheryl Dunye, the 2026 Rainin Arts Fellow in Film.

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 22/04/2026

The 2026 Rainin Arts Fellow in Theater is Danny Duncan. Throughout his six-decade career, he has written, composed & directed many productions, including the acclaimed musicals “Billie’s Song” & “Go Down Garvey.” He has also enjoyed an extensive career as a teaching artist & youth theater director.

A teal graphic featuring Danny Duncan, the 2026 Rainin Arts Fellow in Theater.

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 22/04/2026

The 2026 Rainin Arts Fellow in Dance is Sarah Crowell. Her work explores identity, justice & the power of bridging across differences. She has dedicated over 35 years to inspiring communities through arts-based social change.

A teal graphic featuring Sarah Crowell, the 2026 Rainin Arts Fellow in Dance.

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 22/04/2026

The 2026 Rainin Arts Fellow in Public Space is Cece Carpio. As an Indigenous immigrant artist, she is committed to amplifying the voices & stories of marginalized communities. Through public art, workshops & collaborative community projects, she fosters spaces for dialogue, healing & celebration.

A teal graphic featuring Cece Carpio, the 2026 Rainin Arts Fellow in Public Space.

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 08/04/2026

We’re hiring an Administrative Coordinator who will ensure a welcoming, organized and well-functioning hybrid office. This role is responsible for delivering exceptional service to staff & guests as well as overseeing office vendors and partnering with building staff. krfoundation.org/about/careers/

A metallic blue graphic with the words "We're Hiring" and "Join the Team" stacked along the left side. White text highlights that you can visit our website for more details on the Administrative Coordinator position that we have open.

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 23/03/2026

Our Arts Director, Liz O’Malley, is participating in a panel on March 25 at the Independent Film & Media Arts Group National Meeting. Register on Zoom for this conversation featuring the funder, strategist and practitioner perspective on supporting media arts: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

A purple graphic with text that reads, “Independent Film and Media Arts Group National Meeting | Join us online March 25 11 AM – 12 PM PST | Funding media arts: perspectives from funders, strategists and practitioners.” It features five logos of the organizations featured on the panel.

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 12/03/2026

In January, we were thrilled to partner with Zellerbach Family Foundation, Fleishhacker Foundation & San Francisco Grants for the Arts on the Bay Area Arts & Culture Collaboration Summit. It was a pleasure to be in space together and to envision a future rooted in collaboration. 📸: Cheshire Isaacs

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 19/01/2026

Visit the African American Museum and Library at Oakland today for a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Film Festival. Watch civil rights film screenings and bring the whole family for kid-friendly hands-on activities from 11 AM – 6 PM. Register to attend: oaklandlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/694b3...

A flyer detailing the schedule of events for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Film Festival.

11 AM: "Mighty Times: The Children's March"

12 PM: "MLK/FBI"

2 PM: "Mr. Civil Rights: Thurgood Marshall & the NAACP"

3:30 PM: "Four Little Girls"

5 PM: "Fundi: The Story of Ella Baker"

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 14/01/2026

Nicole Kendrick (right) served as our Education Program Officer since 2023 and is moving on to her next endeavor where she will continue to advance meaningful change. While at the Foundation, Nicole led the development of our Early Care Spaces grant program and co-created the Rest and Care Awards.

Sarah Williams and Nicole Kendrick standing together, smiling at the camera.

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 22/12/2025

“This work matters. My wish for you is to reconnect with your ‘why’ & to share it with one another. It’s what binds us in our shared purpose.” —Dana Cilono We were honored to gather with our Education grantees to celebrate their continued work to improve early literacy in Oakland. 📸: Mitch Tobias

Three people wearing red, posing together and smiling at the camera.

Three people in conversation, all smiling.

Two people with their arms around each other, smiling at the camera.

Three people with their arms around each other, smiling at the camera.

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 18/12/2025

Our Innovations Symposium returns to San Francisco on July 19-21, 2026. This annual gathering brings together researchers, trainees and clinicians from around the world to advance IBD research. Check out who will be speaking and register for the event: krfoundation.org/innovations-...

A graphic featuring the painted ladies and text that reads, "Kenneth Rainin Foundation 2026 Innovations Symposium | July 19-21, 2026 | Palace Hotel, San Francisco, CA"

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 11/12/2025

As this year comes to a close, we reflect on the power of community and the importance of rest and care. All of us at the Kenneth Rainin Foundation wish you a restorative and joyful holiday season and all the best in the new year. Our offices will be closed December 24-January 2.

A blue graphic with a gold snowflake and white text that reads, "As this year comes to a close, we reflect on the power of community and the importance of rest and care. We wish you a restorative and joyful holiday season and all the best in the new year. -Your friends at the Kenneth Rainin Foundation”

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 26/11/2025

Sustainable Economies Law Center, Vital Arts and Movement Law are hosting their last Artist Legal Cafe of the year on December 4. A 30-minute "nano-training" will be followed by a one-on-one sessions with a lawyer to get answers to your questions about entity formation, contracts, governance & more.

Green graphic with beige text that reads, "Free Artist Legal Cafe | One-on-one support with licensed attorneys, solidarity economy experts and cultural workers | Now serving artists, art collectives and organizations | Partners: Vital Arts, Sustainable Economies Law Center, Movement Law"

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 18/11/2025

A group of our staff recently volunteered with Community Kitchens. We helped prepare ~400 sandwiches and potato salad sides for Oaklanders. With the uncertainty around SNAP benefits and the rising cost of living, orgs that are working to feed our community members are more important than ever.

A group of people wearing aprons, smiling at the camera.

A person smiling at the camera while closing to-go boxes filled with a sandwich and side.

Two people smiling at the camera while filling plastic containers with potato salad.

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 10/11/2025

Some nonprofits are considering mergers to share resources in this moment. Learn how to assess opportunities & challenges, determine mission & brand alignment and develop communication strategies for a merger or acquisition via Full Court Press Communications. RSVP: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

A webinar graphic that reads, "Stronger Together. Nonprofit Mergers When Times Are Tough. Wednesday, November 12. 10 AM PT (60 mins). Dan Cohen, Principal & Founder, Full Court Press Communications. Luis Vergara, Partner & Head of Practice, La Piana Consulting."

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 29/10/2025

Published every three years, the World Cities Culture Report is the most comprehensive dataset of culture in cities. It’s used by policymakers, researchers and media to track trends and inform policy. Check out the newly released 5th Edition: worldcitiescultureforum.com/report/5th-e...

A beige background with cities listed behind large orange letters spelling out "World Cities Culture Report 5th Edition."

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 14/10/2025

“You all do heroes work in reminding us as a society that human connection sparks curiosity and empathy, creativity heals and the arts are essential to thriving civic communities.” - Liz O’Malley, Arts Director, in celebration of our grantees 📸: Barak Shrama

People mingling under papel picado and string lights.

Three people smiling at the camera with the setting sun shining behind them.

Two people leaning on each other back to back, smiling broadly.

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 16/09/2025

Carissa, who is our new Grants Associate, keeps our grant processes running smoothly—handling behind-the-scenes logistics, sharing information and tracking data so we can better serve our grantees. Read more about our new staff: krfoundation.org/news/foundat...

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 09/09/2025

Liz O’Malley is our new Arts Director. Her work centers on helping Bay Area artists thrive and build a more equitable and sustainable arts community by improving the systems that support it. She brings over 15 years of experience in the arts. Read more: krfoundation.org/news/foundat...

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 04/09/2025

Check out Monocle’s recent The Urbanist podcast episode, which highlights how cities around the globe are securing permanent affordable space for arts and culture: monocle.com/radio/shows/... Our Executive Director, Shelley Trott, talks about our work with @castsf.bsky.social.

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 02/09/2025

Patrick Taylor recently joined the Rainin Foundation as Grants Manager. He leads our grants processes and systems and works to minimize burdens on grantees. Please help us welcome him to the team! Read more about our new staff: krfoundation.org/news/foundat...

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Kenneth Rainin Foundation @krfoundation.org · 21/08/2025

In July, we were honored to gather with our Health grantees, Scientific Advisory Board and researchers from around the globe working to improve the prediction, prevention and treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Enjoy some photos from this year’s Innovations Symposium taken by Mitch Tobias.

Four people pictured in front of a beautiful ocean backdrop.

Someone pointing to their research in a digital poster session.

Someone asking a question from the audience after a presentation.

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