FAQs

Please make sure to carefully read the FAQs below before contacting us.

Introduction 

What is the Elsevier Foundation? 
The Elsevier Foundation is a corporate foundation funded by Elsevier, a global information analytics company. The Elsevier Foundation supports initiatives that promote global health, diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and access to scientific information. The Elsevier Foundation is part of Elsevier’s corporate responsibility programs. 

What are the Elsevier Foundation’s vision and purpose? 
Our vision: We are a catalyst for inclusive research and health partnerships, convening and spotlighting changemakers to accelerate early-stage interventions for systemic change in research and health equity. Our purpose: To build capacity and equity in research and health for an inclusive and sustainable future. 

What is corporate responsibility at Elsevier? 
Corporate responsibility at Elsevier involves committing to ethical practices, sustainability, and contributing positively to society through various programs and initiatives, including the Elsevier Foundation. The Elsevier Foundation team serve dual roles to support Elsevier’s corporate responsibility initiatives. 

Funding and governance 

How does the Elsevier Foundation fund its programs? 
The Elsevier Foundation is funded entirely by Elsevier, and it allocates grants to non-profit organizations and initiatives that align with its mission and goals. In addition to programmatic funding, Elsevier covers the administrative costs and offers in-kind support through office space, marketing, media outreach, content, data, analytics, expert networks and volunteer support as needed. 

How is the Elsevier Foundation governed? 
The Elsevier Foundation is governed by a Board of 6 external and 5 Ex-Officio members. External Board members serve 3-year renewable terms, and are experts in sustainability, development, innovation, diversity, education, research and health. Ex-Officio members are leaders within Elsevier and RELX, Elsevier’s parent company, who are deeply supportive of the Elsevier Foundation’s mission. 

How is the Elsevier Foundation managed? 
The Elsevier Foundation is run by Executive Director Ylann Schemm, Partnerships Director Domiziana Francescon, Partnerships Manager Maha Rhannam and Communications Director Rebecca Clear. The Elsevier Foundation additionally consults a Treasurer Michal Jablonka and Legal Counsel John Holt. The Elsevier Foundation team also serve dual roles to support Elsevier’s corporate responsibility initiatives.  

Programs and initiatives 

What are the main programs supported by the Elsevier Foundation? 
Our programs address key challenges in research, health and underrepresentation identified by the UN Sustainable Development Goals. They are divided in two categories:
– Inclusive Research: Partnerships supporting equity in research and scientific capacity building, as well as promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM fields, with a focus on global South countries. 
– Inclusive Health: Partnerships advancing the delivery of health equity for vulnerable populations, addressing health challenges and improving health outcomes in underserved communities. 

Does the Elsevier Foundation currently have a call for proposals? 
The Elsevier Foundation is not currently looking to fund new partnerships. The Elsevier Foundation has adopted a partnership-driven approach to our new program cycle, and we no longer have open calls for proposals.

I am interested in the OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Awards for Early-Career Researchers in the Developing World. How can I get more information?
The OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Awards are awarded to five women scientist every year. The call for nominations is held from about June through September and the winners are announced during the following year in February. Please check the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World website for latest news, eligibility and submission requirements.

Does the Elsevier Foundation provide individual scholarships and travel grants?
We do not provide grants to individuals. For scientists in developing countries, you can consult program run by our partners at the Organization for Women In Science for the Developing World, and at The World Academy of Science.

Does the Elsevier Foundation provide (individual) book donations?
We do not support individual book donations, but Elsevier works in close partnership with Book Aid International in Africa and Books for Asia to ensure substantial annual book donations to promote literacy and evidence-based health care.

Communications and resources

Where can I find promotional material about Elsevier Foundation? 
On the Resources page you can find Annual Reports, flyers, presentations and logos. Reach out to Partnerships Director Domiziana Francescon should you need any other material or information. 

Are there regular updates about the Elsevier Foundation’s activities?
Yes, the Elsevier Foundation publishes regular updates on its Twitter/X profile, as well as LinkedIn page.

Who can I contact if I have more questions? 
For additional questions, you can contact the team on the Contact page.

I am interested in working with the Elsevier Foundation. Can I send you my CV?
Unfortunately, we do not currently have any openings. To browse open positions within Elsevier, please check the Elsevier Careers page.