About Us

Research Philanthropy Advisors is a collective of experienced consultants and advisors. We are located across the UK, US, and Canada, dedicated to supporting research funders worldwide.

We are committed to the idea that groundbreaking research deserves equally groundbreaking strategies and processes. By drawing on best practices and partnerships from diverse industries, we craft tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each client.

Collaboration is at the core of our work, underpinned by strong relationships with our partners. We understand that the scientific research sector is a complex ecosystem, and we take a thoughtful approach in connecting our clients with the most appropriate partners and services to fulfill their specific needs.

Meet the Team

Founder

Dawid Potgieter

Dawid is an Entrepreneur and Strategy Consultant with a focus on philanthropy and scientific research. He is recognized for his strategic guidance to senior executives on initiatives exceeding $120 million. Featured in publications like the Financial Times, Economist, and Bloomberg, his expertise spans end-to-end strategy and execution, covering market research, strategy formulation, and process design. Dawid formerly served as Director of Programs at Templeton World Charity Foundation, where he was responsible for a broad range of innovative grant portfolios, including the Accelerating Research on Consciousness initiative. He holds a DPhil from the University of Oxford and an Executive MBA from the University of Cambridge.

Co-Founder

Virginia Cooper

Virginia is a Philanthropic consultant who focuses on program design, implementation and management. With a background in both academia and nonprofit management, she brings a nuanced understanding of effective philanthropic practices. Virginia has extensive experience in research coordination, grant development and project management in the Global South and diverse contexts. As an advisor to the Templeton World Charity Foundation she is responsible for managing a number of innovative grant portfolios worth over $80 million. She holds a masters degree from Johns Hopkins University.

Co-Founder

Syman Stevens

Syman is a Philanthropic Advisor specializing in operational efficiency and systems design for funders. His focus on the integration of grant management systems with innovative tools complements his broader skills in strategy and analysis. With experience as both a Program Officer and a Grant Management System Administrator, and through a range of services as an independent advisor to grantmakers, Syman brings technical expertise and strategic insight to streamlining grant development processes. Syman holds master’s degrees from Cambridge and Columbia, and a DPhil from Oxford. He is based in Greenville, SC, USA.