Exploring the Future of Science Policy with Dr. Carrie Wolinetz

04/02/25 • 59 min

Research Renaissance: Exploring the Future of Brain Science

In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal welcomes Dr. Carrie Wolinetz, a leading science and health policy expert. With an extensive background, including roles at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Dr. Wolinetz shares her insights on the evolving landscape of medical research funding, the role of science policy, and the critical intersection between government, private sector, and research institutions.

From the historical foundations of federally funded science to the challenges posed by shifting political landscapes, Dr. Wolinetz offers a compelling perspective on the future of research and public health.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

🔬 The Role of Science Policy: How policy shapes the research ecosystem and why it’s essential for medical advancements.
🧬 The Impact of Federally Funded Research: The return on investment from initiatives like the Human Genome Project and how they’ve revolutionized medicine.
🌎 The Changing Landscape of Research Funding: How federal funding priorities are shifting and what researchers need to prepare for.
💰 The Future of Public-Private Partnerships: How government, academia, and the private sector must collaborate to accelerate breakthroughs.
⚖️ The Debate on Indirect Costs (F&A Rates): Understanding the recent policy changes and their impact on research institutions.
📢 The Importance of Science Communication: Why researchers must engage in public discussions to build trust and transparency.
🧑‍🔬 Advice for Early-Career Researchers: How young scientists can navigate funding uncertainties and thrive in a rapidly evolving research environment.
💡 The Next Frontier in Public Health: What’s needed to create a robust and proactive health infrastructure for future global challenges.

Key Quotes from Dr. Carrie Wolinetz

💭 “Science is all about solving problems. The best research happens when patients, researchers, and policymakers work together.”

💭 “The Human Genome Project had a 141-to-1 return on investment—nearly a trillion dollars in impact.”

💭 “Science isn’t just about discovery; it’s about making sure discoveries lead to real-world impact.”

💭 “We need a new national vision for public health—one that integrates the lessons of COVID-19 and prioritizes rapid response to emerging threats.”

Resources & Links

📌 Karen Toffler Charitable Trust: tofflertrust.org
📌 Dr. Carrie Wolinetz on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile
📌 NIH Office of Science Policy: NIH Science Policy
📌 The 100-Day Mission for Pandemic Preparedness: Learn More

Stay Connected

📢 Subscribe for More Episodes! Stay informed on groundbreaking research and policy discussions shaping the future of science.
🌐 Visit tofflertrust.org for updates and initiatives.
📩 Have thoughts or questions? Reach out to us—we’d love to hear from you!

🎧 Listen & Subscribe on Your Favorite Platform
📌 Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Amazon Music

🚀 Until next time—onward and upward!

To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org.
Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Key Quotes from Dr. Carrie Wolinetz

💭 “Science is all about solving problems. The best research happens when patients, researchers, and policymakers work together.”

💭 “The Human Genome Project had a 141-to-1 return on investment—nearly a trillion dollars in impact.”

💭 “Science isn’t just about discovery; it’s about making sure discoveries lead to real-world impact.”

💭 “We need a new national vision for public health—one that integrates the lessons of COVID-19 and prioritizes rapid response to emerging threats.”

Resources & Links

Stay Connected

🎧 Listen & Subscribe on Your Favorite Platform
📌 Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Amazon Music

🚀 Until next time—onward and upward!

To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org.
Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

Previous Episode

Revolutionizing ALS Drug Development with Dr. Kasper Roet

Welcome to Research Renaissance, presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. In this episode, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Kasper Roet, CEO and co-founder of QurAlis, to explore the evolution of ALS drug development, the power of genetic insights, and the future of personalized medicine for neurodegenerative diseases.

🔬 Episode Highlights:

✔️ From Spinal Cord Injury to ALS – Dr. Roet’s journey from spinal cord injury research to ALS, and how genetic discoveries reshaped his focus.
✔️ A New Era for Drug Development – The pivotal role of genomics, AI, and stem cell technology in accelerating ALS treatments.
✔️ Precision Medicine & Stem Cells – How patient-derived pluripotent stem cells are transforming ALS research.
✔️ Cure ALS: The Mission & Breakthroughs – The pioneering therapies Quralis is developing to target ALS at the molecular level.
✔️ Challenges in Biotech Entrepreneurship – The leap from scientist to CEO, raising funds, and the mentorship that helped shape his journey.
✔️ The Future of Neurological Disease Research – What’s next for genetic medicine, biomarkers, and targeted treatments?

💡 Key Takeaways:

🔹 ALS is no longer a “mystery disease” – recent genetic breakthroughs are leading to targeted treatments.
🔹 Traditional animal models are failing to replicate human disease—patient-derived stem cells are offering a more reliable solution.
🔹 The intersection of AI, big data, and molecular biology will drive the next wave of personalized medicine.
🔹 Biotech innovation demands a balance between scientific rigor and entrepreneurial agility.
🔹 The industry must shorten drug development timelines to bring life-saving treatments to patients faster.

🎧 Listen Now & Subscribe!

Stay ahead in the world of cutting-edge neuroscience and biotech breakthroughs. Subscribe to Research Renaissance on your favorite podcast platform and visit TofflerTrust.org for more insights.

🔗 Want to collaborate or learn more? Connect with Dr. Kasper Roet and his team at Quralis or email [email protected].

🚀 Join us in advancing the future of brain research—because patients can’t wait!

To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org.
Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

Next Episode

Innovation in Biotech & Leadership with Catharine Smith

In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Catharine Smith, Executive Director of the Termeer Foundation, to explore innovation in the biotech industry and the evolving role of leadership. They dive into how biotech leaders are shaping the future of healthcare, supporting emerging companies, and addressing rare diseases.

Key Topics Covered

Catharine Smith’s Career Journey – From health services research to leading an influential foundation supporting biotech leaders.
Biotech Leadership & Change Agents – What makes a great leader in the biotech space and how leadership is evolving.
Henri Termeer’s Legacy – How the Termeer Foundation was founded and its impact on patient-centered biotech innovation.
Supporting Biotech CEOs – Challenges, common needs, and how the foundation mentors and funds early-stage biotech leaders.
Rare Disease & Patient Advocacy – The role of patient-driven biotech innovation and the partnerships making breakthroughs possible.
Future of Biotech & Leadership – How AI, innovation, and a stronger emphasis on leadership will shape the next generation of biotech advancements.

Memorable Quotes
🗣️ "The most effective biotech leaders are driven by an internal ‘why’—a passion for improving patient care and making an impact." – Catharine Smith

🗣️ "If we look at rare diseases as a collective, they’re not rare at all. The unmet need is massive, and we’re seeing patient advocates leading the way in finding solutions." – Catharine Smith

Resources & Mentions

Termeer Foundation: termeerfoundation.org
Book Recommendation: Conscience and Courage – The story of Henri Termeer’s life and legacy.
Rare Disease Advocacy: Learn more about patient-led biotech innovations and advocacy groups.

Connect With Us

📌 Follow Research Renaissance: Website | LinkedIn
📌 Follow Catharine Smith & The Termeer Foundation: LinkedIn

💡 Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with colleagues interested in biotech innovation and leadership!

🔍 Want to learn more or collaborate? Contact Karen Toffler Charitable Trust via our website or LinkedIn

🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms.

Until next time—onward and upward! 🚀

To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org.
Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

Research Renaissance: Exploring the Future of Brain Science - Exploring the Future of Science Policy with Dr. Carrie Wolinetz

Transcript

[00:00:00] Deb: Welcome to Research Renaissance, presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. Embark on a journey into the forefront of cutting edge brain science, as we feature insightful discussions with a diverse array of guests, from early career researchers pioneering groundbreaking science, to influential voices in investment communities, policymaking, and research institutions.

Together, we delve into neurological diseases, their causes, treatments, and the quest for cures. Jo