Sue Desmond-Hellmann

Genentech, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products for life-threatening medical conditions. It studies various areas including oncology, immunology, neuroscience, ophthalmic diseases, microbial pathogenesis, metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and opportunistic areas. The company was founded by Herb W. Boyer and Robert A. Swanson in 1976 and is headquartered in South San Francisco, CA.

Affymetrix, Inc. develops, manufactures and sells products and services for genetic analysis. The company was founded by Stephen P. A. Fodor in 1992 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, CA.

Biotechnology Innovation Organization is the world's biotechnology organization, providing advocacy, business development and communications services for more than 1,200 members worldwide. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology technologies. Corporate members range from entrepreneurial companies developing a first product to Fortune 100 multinationals. also represent state and regional biotech associations, service providers to the industry and academic centers.

Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Inc. engages in the provision of biomedical research services and science education programs. It funds grants to both institutions and individuals in support of a wide range of science and research-related initiatives, including precollege and undergraduate science education, pre- and post-doctoral research fellowships, and international research activities. The company was founded by Howard R. Hughes in 1953 and is headquartered in Chevy Chase, MD.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust (Foundation Trust), formerly known as William H. Gates Foundation, is a private foundation headquartered in Seattle, Washington. It was founded by Bill and Melinda Gates in 2000 through the merger of the Gates Learning Foundation, which worked to expand access to technology through public libraries and the William H. Gates Foundation (established in 1994), which focused on improving global health. The Foundation Trust manages the endowment assets. They participate in preventive approaches and collaborative endeavors with government, philanthropic and not-for-profit partners. Priority is given to grants that leverage additional support and serve as a catalyst for long-term, systemic change. The foundation also provides funds to promote greater equity in global health, education and public libraries.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was formed in 1997 as the William H. Gates Foundation. In 1999, the foundation was renamed the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust was created in January 2000 through the merger of the Gates Learning Foundation, which worked to expand access to technology through public libraries and the William H. Gates Foundation, which focused on improving global health. The foundation participates in preventive approaches and collaborative endeavors with government, philanthropic and not-for-profit partners. Priority is given to grants that leverage additional support and serve as a catalyst for long-term, systemic change. The foundation also provides funds to promote greater equity in global health, education and public libraries. Through their partnerships in communities across the US, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is committed to raising the high school graduation rate and helping all students, regardless of race or family income. The foundation is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.