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Help shape a healthier future.

Through cutting-edge research and innovative educational initiatives, we strive to make the next breakthrough — chasing discoveries in cancer, Parkinson’s, metabolic disorders and other devastating diseases.

Will you take part in our discoveries by making a donation? Your generosity drives Van Andel Institute to success on a global scale, bringing us one step closer to a brighter, healthier future.

DONATE NOW

Science is shaped by people, each deeply connected to their work and driven by an urgent desire to make a difference.

Van Andel Institute welcomes scientists and researchers from across the world, each one dedicated to discovery. Thanks to our supporters, Van Andel Institute provides our scientists with the infrastructure, support and technology needed to spark innovation and answer critical questions about health and disease. We invite you to hear about discoveries directly from one of our scientists, Dr. Yvonne Fondufe-Mittendorf.

The game changed for Fondufe-Mittendorf when she arrived at VAI in 2022. During her first visit, she realized the Institute was different. Here she found the highly collaborative, interdisciplinary hub she sought — a place that fosters discovery through a entrepreneurial works and deep community support.

Dr. Fondufe-Mittendorf studies the relationship between the environment and health, specifically, how toxicants in drinking water affect cancer risk. Her research has revealed how low-dose arsenic exposure transforms healthy cells into malignant ones, a finding that pinpoints previously unknown vulnerabilities in cancer.

“VAI gives me freedom,” she said. “Freedom to think. Freedom to start new projects, to think broadly, and to change paths when we need to. It’s how we innovate, and how we move the science forward to ultimately help develop new therapies and treatments for disease.”

See how you fuel discoveries and hope

Positivity and Perseverance: Richard Cebelak’s journey with Parkinson’s disease

“You hear about the scientists working to make the world better and also get to talk to them and learn from them. It really gives you hope.” – Patricia Cebelak

Read her story

Celebrating 5 years of discovery in metabolism research

In honor of the department’s fifth anniversary, here are five things to know about metabolism and five things to know about how VAI is changing the game in metabolism research and innovation.

Learn More

You make exceptional possible.

Support Van Andel Institute Today!

Through cutting-edge research and innovative educational initiatives, we strive to make the next breakthrough — chasing discoveries in cancer, Parkinson’s, metabolic disorders and other devastating diseases. Will you take part in our discoveries by making a donation? Your generosity drives Van Andel Institute to success on a global scale, bringing us one step closer to the bright future we dream of.

Join a community of scientists, educators, organizations and businesses striving to create a better world by making a donation today. Every cent, of every dollar, of every donation directly funds research and education.

DONATE NOW