Joanne Berger-Sweeney Appointed to Dana Foundation Board to Enhance Neuroscience and Society Initiatives

Joanne Berger-Sweeney Appointed to Dana Foundation Board

The Dana Foundation, a prominent organization focused on the intersections of neuroscience and society, has made a significant addition to its Board of Directors. On May 21, 2025, Dr. Joanne Berger-Sweeney, renowned neuroscientist and current President of Trinity College, was announced as the newest board member.

Dr. Berger-Sweeney's extensive background in higher education and neuroscience research makes her a valuable asset to the Foundation. As the chairman of the board, Dr. Steven E. Hyman, expressed, "We are delighted to welcome Dr. Joanne Berger-Sweeney to the Dana Foundation. Joanne brings a distinguished record in academic and administrative leadership, as well as substantial expertise in board governance. Her appointment reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence in stewardship and meaningful advancement of our mission."

Dr. Berger-Sweeney is set to retire in June 2025 as the 22nd president of Trinity College, where she has served for 11 years. Her tenure is highlighted by a series of accomplishments that illustrate her commitment to educational equity and institutional growth. She made history as the first African American and the first woman to occupy the presidential position at Trinity College. During her leadership, the college completed its ambitious strategic plan, known as Summit, and achieved the largest fundraising campaign in its history. Under her guidance, financial aid for undergraduate students increased by 50%, which significantly enhanced the socioeconomic diversity of the student body.

In addition to her pioneering role at Trinity College, Dr. Berger-Sweeney has held various positions on other boards, including Hartford HealthCare and the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges. She has also played a significant role in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division III Presidents Council as vice chair, and has served on the boards of the Allen Institute, the Institute of International Education, and The Henry Luce Foundation. Furthermore, her involvement with the Neuroscience Selection Advisory Board for the prestigious Gruber Prize underscores her commitment to advancing research in neurodegenerative diseases.

Before her presidency at Trinity, Dr. Berger-Sweeney was the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Tufts University, and she joined Wellesley College's faculty in 1991, starting as an assistant professor. Through her distinguished career, she has made significant contributions to the field of neuroscience, particularly in her pioneering work with Razadyne, a prominent Alzheimer's drug.

Dr. Caroline Montojo, President and CEO of the Dana Foundation, emphasized the significance of Dr. Berger-Sweeney’s expertise for the Foundation's mission, stating, "With broad expertise in neurodegenerative diseases, Dr. Berger-Sweeney brings insights that directly support our mission to advance neuroscience that improves lives. Her intimate knowledge of academic systems will further strengthen our efforts to transform how neuroscience is taught and practiced in closer alignment with public needs and values."

In her own words, Dr. Berger-Sweeney expressed her enthusiasm to join the board at such a critical juncture for neuroscience: "I'm honored to join the board of the Dana Foundation at such a pivotal time for neuroscience. The Foundation's work to integrate fields like ethics and law into neuroscience—and to deepen public engagement throughout the scientific process—is crucial for strengthening the connection between neuroscience and society."

Dr. Berger-Sweeney is now part of a distinguished board that includes notable members like Steven E. Hyman, M.D., Wallace L. Cook, Charles A. Dana III, Elizabeth Hewitt, Paula Kerger, Hildegarde E. Mahoney, Husseini Manji, M.D., FRCPC, and Caroline Montojo, Ph.D. Together, they are committed to advancing the mission of the Dana Foundation, which is dedicated to promoting the understanding and application of neuroscience in a way that enriches society.

The Dana Foundation’s ongoing initiatives underscore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing pressing issues surrounding neuroscience, law, and ethics. As they embark on this new chapter with Dr. Berger-Sweeney, the Foundation is poised to strengthen its impact on both neuroscience and social responsibility.