Kim E. Witmer
AIRI President
Senior Vice
President & Chief Financial Officer
The Salk Institute for Biological
Studies
About AIRI
AIRI
is an association of independent, not-for-profit biomedical and
behavioral research institutes whose mission is to enhance the ability
of its members to improve human health and advance knowledge. AIRI
accomplishes its mission through member networking, education, and
involvement in the development of science policy.
Why was AIRI formed?
AIRI was founded in 1961 to promote communication among member
institutions and to further the pursuit of common interests, especially with
regard to federal issues that affect research funding and regulation.
Non-profit research institutes are sometimes subject to different federal
regulations and laws than universities and other institutions conducting
biomedical and behavioral research, leading to inconsistent treatment that
could be detrimental to research progress. AIRI institutions believe that
the best researchers should have equal access to research funding, capital
support, and training opportunities. Thus, AIRI seeks ton ensure that
scientists at member institutions have the same opportunities as those in
more traditional academic settings.