Frequently Asked Questions

About Geneva

Q:

What is The Geneva Foundation?

A:

The Geneva Foundation is a nonprofit that advances operationally relevant, military-unique research aligned with DoD requirements to ensure mission success. We accelerate military medical R&D to deliver deployable solutions that enhance the health, readiness, and capabilities of service members and the communities they serve. With deep expertise in research operations, government contracting, strategic collaborations, and commercialization, Geneva ensures successful research outcomes and remains a committed strategic partner in advancing military medicine.

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Q:

Is Geneva like a Contract Research Organizations (CRO)?

A:

Geneva functions similarly to a site management organization for military sites nationwide, operating as a nonprofit committed to advancing military medicine. Acting as an essential intermediary between the CRO/sponsor and the military site, we leverage our extensive expertise in military and government partnerships to facilitate contract execution, Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions, financial management, project management, and adherence to project timelines.

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Q:

How does Geneva ensure compliance with ethical standards in its research activities?

A:

Geneva adheres to strict ethical guidelines and complies with federal and international regulations, including oversight by Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). Our commitment to research integrity is reinforced through continuous training, audits, and partnerships with organizations dedicated to high ethical standards.

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Q:

What measures does Geneva take to support diversity and inclusion in its research teams and initiatives?

A:

Geneva is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion across all aspects of our research and organizational culture. This commitment is reflected in our recruitment efforts, inclusive research practices, and collaborative culture, which prioritize building diverse teams and ensuring all voices are valued. We believe that diverse perspectives and inclusive practices drive innovation and enhance the quality and impact of our mission.

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Collaborating with Geneva

Q:

What are the benefits of working with Geneva?

A:

Partnering with Geneva offers flexibility and reduces real and perceived conflicts of interest with the Federal government. The FY 2014 National Defense Authorization Act amended Congressional language to clarify the role of certain nonprofit foundations, such as Geneva, to facilitate partnerships between military researchers and public or private organizations. Geneva identifies research funding, provides expert research administrative and regulatory support, and facilitates partnerships while managing the complexities of DoD/DHA processes.

Additional benefits include:

  • 30+ years of expertise in research administration within the military medical enterprise
  • Ability to proffer or gift to the Federal government
  • Facilitation of contract/acquisition processes
  • Direct engagement and consultation with military commands
  • Expertise in tech transfer and commercialization of deployable solutions
  • Strategic involvement with Congressional leaders to influence policy and resource allocation
  • Demonstrated ability to foster innovation through multidisciplinary partnerships within and outside of the DoD
  • Deep understanding of the military health system’s regulatory and financial landscape
  • Extensive experience supporting military performance sites and assets worldwide, including treatment facilities, federal laboratories, and defense health networks
  • Access to subject matter experts offering innovative solutions and diverse perspectives
  • Proven track record of recruiting and staffing high-quality personnel to meet government needs.
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Q:

Is there a fee to work with Geneva?

A:

Geneva operates on a break-even basis and does not assess a fee or profit on grant awards. Geneva provides proposal development and pre-award services to researchers at no cost. If a research project receives funding, Geneva recovers its award management expenses through an approved indirect cost rate, with some exceptions. This rate is authorized by the Office of Naval Research, Geneva’s cognizant federal agency.

Together we can make a difference.

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Q:

Why choose Geneva over site business or resource offices?

A:

Geneva provides a unique advantage by streamlining administrative processes so investigators can focus on their research. Unlike local site offices focused on DoD contracts, Geneva specializes in facilitating seamless collaborations with extramural research partners to keep projects on track. Our team brings expertise in efficiently hiring research personnel and procuring necessary supplies to minimize project delays.

Discover the Geneva difference.

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Q:

Can Geneva assist with regulatory and compliance guidance during the research process?

A:

Yes, Geneva offers comprehensive regulatory and compliance support throughout the research process. Geneva’s experienced team assists researchers with navigating Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions, FDA requirements, and other regulatory pathways.

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Q:

Can Geneva help find funding?

A:

Yes, Geneva provides the researcher with targeted and tailored funding searches based on research interests and project budget needs. Geneva can help identify and apply for funding from both federal and non-federal sources.

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Q:

What are the benefits of working with military populations?

A:

The military medical community offers a diverse research population of active duty personnel, their families, and veterans within a wide range of therapeutic indications. Military populations are representative of the diseases and conditions that occur in the civilian community as well as those that are unique to members of military service. Benefits of conducting trials within the military include:

  • Highly diverse patient populations
  • Electronic health records
  • Onsite primary care, specialty care, and auxiliary services
  • A single clinical trial agreement that supports the involvement of several different military treatment facilities within the U.S.
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Q:

What are the benefits of conducting clinical trials within the military?

A:

Military researchers gain valuable industry experience and access to innovative treatments. While military researchers are not directly paid for clinical trials, Geneva can set aside funds received from clinical trials into a reserve fund on behalf of the department that researchers can access for education and research-related purposes.

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Q:

How do clinical trials work in the military? How does Geneva help?

A:

Due to regulatory restrictions within the DoD/DHA, military physicians cannot contractually obligate or receive direct payment for clinical trials. Geneva addresses this by acting as an intermediary between the industry sponsor and the military physician. Geneva submits the research proposal on the physician’s behalf and collaborates with both the research team and sponsor on agreement terms. We also recruit and manage dedicated study coordinators, regulatory specialists, and contract personnel to guide each study through DoD/DHA processes and requirements.

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Q:

Can military sites use a central Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

A:

Yes, most DoD/DHA sites defer to a central IRB but require local IRB administrative review to ensure the research program meets DoD regulations. Generally, it takes approximately 3-6 months from award to IRB approval. Geneva has dedicated regulatory specialists that work with the site IRB and sponsor regulatory team to get the submission completed in a timely manner.

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Q:

What is Geneva’s experience with Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA)?

A:

Geneva has a master CRADA with the U.S. Army and routinely negotiates and executes single-use CRADAs with our collaborators. Geneva will prepare the CRADA with DHA and ensure all applicable DoD regulations are adhered to, including the Joint Travel Regulations.

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Q:

How does Geneva collaborate with Academia?

A:

Geneva fosters collaborations between academic partners and military research teams through diverse contracting vehicles and master CRADAs (Cooperative Research and Development Agreements), reducing administrative burdens and streamlining bureaucracy.

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Q:

Does Geneva have a Supplier Diversity Program?

A:

Geneva welcomes collaborations with small businesses and small disadvantaged businesses.

To be considered as a teaming partner, please fill out the contact form and select “Partner with Us.”

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Q:

Does Geneva collaborate with international research partners or only within the U.S.?

A:

Geneva engages in international collaborations that align with its mission to advance military medicine. While Geneva maintains strong U.S. partnerships, the organization actively considers global collaborations that drive meaningful scientific progress for military and civilian health. Each partnership is evaluated to ensure alignment with Geneva’s goals and compliance with relevant regulations.

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Working at Geneva

Q:

What opportunities does Geneva offer for early-career professionals interested in military medical research?

A:

Geneva provides early-career professionals with opportunities including postdoctoral fellowships and entry-level research roles on military-relevant projects. Benefits include access to advanced research facilities, mentorship from experienced researchers, structured training programs, multidisciplinary team collaborations, and chances to present at scientific conferences—fostering growth and career advancement in military medical research.

Explore all opportunities

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Q:

How do I check the status of my application?

A:

Thank you for applying to The Geneva Foundation. Due to high application volumes, we may not be able to respond to each candidate individually. To check your application status, log in to your applicant Dashboard and view the latest update under ‘Status.’ If we have any questions, a recruiter will reach out to you directly.

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Q:

Does The Geneva Foundation provide visa sponsorship?

A:

Yes, visa sponsorship may be available depending on the position, work site, location, program, or other factors. For details, please refer to the individual job posting or contact our recruiting team with specific questions.

Review all current job postings

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Q:

How does Geneva help me with in-processing at a military treatment facility or Federal laboratory?

A:

All new Geneva employees assigned to DoD/DHA facilities must complete in-processing, which typically takes 2-3 days. This process includes verification of citizenship, work authorization, and security clearance. Employees will also undergo any necessary background investigations based on their access requirements to the military facility and prior background checks. Clinical privileges credentialing may be required for employees responsible for specific protocol tasks or administration of investigational therapies. The credentialing process involves verifying degrees and professional licenses to confirm the employee’s scope of practice.

Apply for a role today

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Donating to Geneva

Q:

Is my donation to Geneva tax-deductible?

A:

Yes as it is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, donations to Geneva are tax-deductible.

Discover all the ways you can donate

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Q:

How does a donor get a tax receipt?

A:

Donors receive an emailed tax receipt immediately after their gift is processed.

Learn more about giving to The Geneva Foundation

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Q:

I want my donation to have the biggest impact in military medical research. How can I do that?

A:

To maximize your donation’s impact on military medical research, consider contributing to Geneva’s Discovery Fund. This flexible fund directs unrestricted donations to critical initiatives as they arise, supporting follow-on research, empowering new researchers, funding pilot and proof-of-concept studies, and addressing urgent challenges.

Make an impact today

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Financial Information

Q:

Where can I access Geneva’s latest tax audit?

A:

Geneva annually completes IRS Form 990, a public document detailing the organization’s financial information. You can access Geneva’s latest Form 990 here. Additionally, as Geneva expends over $750,000 in federal awards each fiscal year, it undergoes a Single Audit, which is available through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse.

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Q:

How can I verify Geneva’s tax-exempt status?

A:

Geneva’s tax documents by state can be found here.

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