In recognition of generous gift, Brown University names the Giuliani RNA Center

Already, what scientists know about RNA modifications has been leveraged in the development of vaccines that helped save millions of lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, Alfonzo said. Translating discoveries for patient impact will remain a core focus, yet the applications of RNA technology extend even beyond medicine.

"People are generally aware that RNA can be used to treat genetic diseases," Alfonzo said. "Yet RNA technology can also be used in agriculture, to make crops resistant to insects without pesticides, and in biosecurity, to make fish (for example) more resistant to deadly viruses that could also affect humans.

"With the support of the Giuliani family, I'm looking forward to the center expanding the possibilities of RNA."

Investing in science

The Giulianis' gift to Brown extends a legacy of supporting innovation in medicine and health care.

"For me, this is about investing in the future," Giammaria Giuliani said. "I have always believed that science has the power to shape society in profound ways. When I have looked at where innovation is happening today, RNA stood out as one of the most promising frontiers of science. Our gift is about accelerating discovery and helping Brown lead in a field with the power to change lives worldwide."

Sergio Gonzalez, senior vice president for advancement, said the Giuliani family's generous commitment underscores the importance of philanthropic support for Brown's research enterprise.

"This gift will advance Brown's contributions to the most critical and promising areas of RNA exploration," Gonzalez said.

Giuliani has been working in the health care sector for more than 25 years, in fields ranging from pharmacy and biotechnology to gene editing and cell therapies. In 2004, he became executive vice president and head of research and development at Giuliani S.p.A., a global pharmaceutical company based in Italy. Since 2014, as a health care investor, he has held various board positions in pharmaceutical and biotech companies, helping to define those companies' investment strategies and ensuring that they are aligned with their mission and values. Among other leadership positions, Giuliani serves on the supervisory board for Rothschild & Co. financial services firm and on the board of trustees for the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.

As part of their philanthropic efforts, Giammaria and Sabrina Giuliani established the Giuliani Foundation, which is dedicated to advancing education, health and economic well-being in developing countries. Under Sabrina Giuliani's leadership, the foundation's projects include the development of health clinics in Tanzania and Kenya; research into cancer treatments, neurodegeneration and HIV/AIDS; and a faculty support fund dedicated to advancing transformative research at the Ragon Institute of Mass General Brigham, MIT and Harvard.

The couple's daughter is a student at Brown University, and Sabrina Giuliani is a member of the Parents Executive Committee, which advises Brown's Parent and Family Giving team on parent engagement initiatives. Giammaria recently became a trustee of the Corporation of Brown University.

The Giulianis say they see immense potential for RNA technology, including beyond health care.

"RNA is about unlocking the language of life," Giammaria Giuliani said. "Its versatility can help us reimagine solutions to global challenges from curing diseases to ensuring food security. Sabrina and I are deeply committed to supporting this transformation at Brown."