Brown names William A. and Ami Kuan Danoff Life Sciences Laboratories in recognition of generous gift

Brown Provost Francis J. Doyle III said that with a new state-of-the-art research facility, Brown will work to develop new therapeutics, interventions and diagnostic tools in areas where the University has established a strong foundation for progress — including aging, oncology, brain science and infectious disease.

“The generosity of Will and Ami Danoff will benefit not just scientists, engineers and physicians who will lead biomedical innovation from spaces in Danoff Laboratories, but also the individuals and communities in Rhode Island and beyond who benefit when we advance science to improve human health,” Doyle said.

Investing in impact

Investments in space, staffing and infrastructure are key components of Brown’s Operational Plan for Investing in Research, a roadmap to propel research across all fields of study to new levels of excellence.

The Danoffs said they were motivated by the essential role of the new integrated life sciences facility in achieving Brown’s research goals and the University’s bold, innovative vision for the building — which is key for creating a space that will enable Brown scientists to make a positive difference on health and medical issues, they noted.

“We’re inspired by President Paxson’s commitment to executing a plan with a focus on impact,” said Ami Kuan Danoff. “We believe that the life sciences offer the greatest opportunity to create the most significant and positive impact for the largest number of people.” She cited the development of mRNA-based COVID vaccines as a prominent recent example of a scientific discovery with benefits on a global scale.

Recognizing the complexity of modern health and medical challenges, the Danoffs said they were eager to support a facility that will enable biomedical experimentalists, engineers, physicians, computer scientists, applied mathematicians, entrepreneurs and other scholars to collaborate on new solutions. As envisioned, the building will house four major research programs — cancer, brain science, immunity/ infectious disease and aging — with cross-cutting areas such as RNA technology, biomedical engineering and artificial intelligence embedded throughout its research floors. The facility will be located across from Brown's Warren Alpert Medical School and in close proximity to multiple other buildings home to Brown laboratories and/or research spaces for Brown’s affiliated health systems.

“The integrated aspect of this project strongly appealed to us,” said Ami Kuan Danoff. “We’re eager to support Brown in bringing together talented researchers from across the life sciences while leveraging the strengths of clinical partners in the local health system.”

According to plans released by Brown and the building’s architecture team from TenBerke and Ballinger, the project is designed to integrate into the surrounding Jewelry District neighborhood, both in form and function. Its seven stories will be stacked in a calibrated grid design of metal and glass, inspired by nearby industrial buildings; its transparent ground-floor lobby and education lab will be surrounded by open space, with space reserved for a publicly accessible patio and café; life sciences wet labs will be situated within glass enclosures to amplify natural light and enhance connectedness; and flexible, comfortable meeting spaces with exterior views will invite researchers, faculty and students to convene and collaborate.

“The thoughtful design of the building is an excellent example of how innovation is not just characteristic of the research, but of the very forum in which it's going to be taking place,” said Ami Kuan Danoff.

The building will have capacity to provide lab space for 75 principal investigators, with a total of roughly 700 life sciences researchers expected to move into the facility in phases. In addition to faculty, researchers will include students from every academic level along with postdoctoral scholars and Brown research staff.

“A physical space that is conducive to interaction is important for true collaborative work,” said William Danoff. “We’re excited to see what will happen when this building is full of brilliant researchers.”

Mobilization of the Richmond Street site for enabling work began in Summer 2024, and pending continued progress in fundraising and full construction authorization by Brown’s governing board, the University is targeting a 2027 completion date for Danoff Laboratories.

“This project is important to Brown, to the Jewelry District and to Providence,” William Danoff said. “We hope our gift will spur additional investments in the life sciences at Brown. The slope of the impact curve here is quite steep.”

Sustained support for education and research

The Danoffs live near Boston and are strong supporters of Brown as the parents of Class of 2023 graduate Amelia Danoff. In recognition of a 2022 gift from the couple, the University named a new state-of-the-art residence hall completed in Fall 2023 the William and Ami Danoff Residence Hall.

Ami Kuan Danoff, a former portfolio manager at Putnam Investments, is a founding partner and owner of the National Women’s Soccer League’s new Boston team, which will begin playing in 2026. She is also the co-founder and CFO of the Women’s Foundation of Boston, a philanthropic organization that empowers women and girls through high-impact leadership and economic programs. William Danoff has managed the Fidelity Contrafund for more than three decades.

In addition to their engagement at Brown, the Danoffs have been longtime leaders, board members and philanthropic supporters of their alma mater, Harvard College, and of independent schools and higher education institutions that have educated and empowered their three children. They are also driven by the promise of science to solve human health challenges and save lives, William Danoff said — a factor not only in their support for Danoff Laboratories at Brown, but for scientific and research initiatives such as the Harvard Quantum Initiative in Science and Engineering.

Sergio Gonzalez, senior vice president for advancement, said the Danoffs’ commitment exemplifies the remarkable spirit of philanthropy in Brown’s community.

“With their leadership support, the Danoffs are creating new possibilities for the University and its partners,” Gonzalez said. “The Danoff Laboratories will help to advance breakthrough research and prepare the next generation of leaders and innovators.”

This story was originally published in News from Brown.

Renderings courtesy TenBerke and Ballinger.