“Giving back is the new luxury.”
— Franca Sozzani
The Fund
The Franca Sozzani Fund for Preventive Genomics was established in 2018 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School to leverage evidence and advocacy around preventive genomics so that everyone, regardless of ethnicity or socioeconomic background, may discover personalized strategies to promote health.
Central to this research is our commitment to social justice and ensuring that the future of medicine is an equitable one. We have secured three competitive multi-million dollar NIH grants to address the racial and ethnic disparities within the field of genomics, and are actively seeking philanthropic support to accelerate this critical work.
The Science
The Genomes2People Research Program is at the forefront of applying personal genomic information to the evolving practice of precision population health.
Through rigorous scientific research, we are establishing a foundation of evidence for genomic medicine that will accelerate the adoption of novel genomics-based technologies, model new approaches to care, and explore ways for patients, physicians and consumers to use genomic information in order to achieve improved health and longevity.
Check out some key scientific articles on “The Science” page, or visit our G2P publications page to learn more.
Hear from Francesco Carrozzini, who shares about the importance of preventive genomics and why he started the Franca Fund with Genomes2People in his mother's honor.
The Early Priorities
Driving cutting-edge research in preventive genomics (clinical utility and cost-effectiveness).
Promoting ethnic diversity in genomic health by sequencing the DNA of underrepresented minorities.
Invigorating public and government support for preventive genomics by sharing “DNA Stories” of prominent cultural figures.
Endowing a Harvard Medical School professorship in perpetuity named for Franca Sozzani.
With your support, we can usher in the future of medicine.
The Founders
Established by Francesco Carrozzini, acclaimed photographer/filmmaker and Franca’s son, along with recording artist and investor D.A. Wallach and Genomes2People director Dr. Robert Green, the Fund is named in honor of the late Franca Sozzani. Franca was the iconic long-time editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia and a creative, pioneering woman who revolutionized the fashion world and challenged us to do the same in medicine.
Talk with the Founders
The Press
Franca Sozzani was a trailblazing editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia known for her incisive and inclusive approach to fashion journalism. Her pioneering work included addressing taboo subjects such as domestic violence and drug abuse. Franca: Chaos and Creation is a book that celebrates her visionary work and features photographs from top industry luminaries like Steven Meisel, Peter Lindbergh, and Bruce Weber.
Written by her son Francesco Carrozzini and printed via Assouline, proceeds from the sale of the book will go toward The Franca Sozzani Fund for Preventive Genomics at Harvard Medical School.
Agglomerati Identity & The Franca Fund
This project starts as a dialogue between a selection of handmade masks by Francesco Casarotto who creates Agglomerati and the archive collection of Fondazione Sozzani and The Franca Fund.
Starting an experimental conversation on the concept of identity, then linked to circularity and sustainability, Casarotto confronts iconic clothes by important designers present in the archive collection.
Last days to see the exhibition: 27 - 28 July
Timings: - 11 am - 18 pm
Location: Fondazione Sozzani Via Enrico Tazzoli 3, Milan
Lessico Familiare & The Franca Fund
Fondazione Sozzani showcased a limited edition upcycling capsule collection by Lessico Familiare, featuring iconic clothing pieces donated by Carla Sozzani, to pay homage to the former editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia, Franca Sozzani, in March 2023. The emotional and historically significant capsule was made entirely from Franca's clothes that were remodeled and redesigned, celebrating her fashion legacy.
The aim of the project was to preserve Franca's memory and translate her familiar lexicon into unique garments, achieving a sort of lexical continuity. This exclusive collection supported The Franca Sozzani Fund for Preventive Genomics.
lablaco & The Franca Fund
From October 2022 to November 2022, Fondazione Sozzani in Milan hosted a unique exhibition and sale of clothing and accessories from the wardrobe of Franca Sozzani, the legendary editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia. The collection included vintage pieces and contemporary designs from top fashion brands such as Azzedine Alaïa, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, Valentino, Miu Miu, and Alberta Ferretti, as well as accessories by Fendi and Louis Vuitton and shoes by Manolo Blahnik. In addition, several artworks from Franca Sozzani's collection, including pieces by Vanessa Beecroft, Peter Lindbergh, Mats Gustafson, Steven Meisel, and Takashi Murakami, were also on display.
To promote circular fashion and sustainability, a partnership with the leading Web3 phygital NFT platform for fashion and art, SPIN by Lablaco, offered a unique selection of 25 items with individual NFT labels. These labels allowed users to read the story of each item, trace its ownership, and explore and purchase the wardrobe in AR/VR. The exhibition and sale celebrated the legacy of Franca Sozzani and her contributions to the fashion industry while also embracing new technologies and sustainable practices.
Each item came with a certificate of authenticity and all sales profits went toward The Franca Sozzani Fund for Preventive Genomics.
Zara Tribute: Season 01
In the Summer of 2021, ZARA launched its first tribute collection, featuring iconic photographs by legendary image maker Peter Lindbergh.
100% of proceeds from this limited edition series curated by Fabien Baron were donated to The Franca Sozzani Fund for Preventive Genomics, supporting the Global BabySeq Project in collaboration with Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
The ZARA tribute collection featured t-shirts and sweatshirts with black and white images of Kate Moss, Amber Valletta, Linda Evangelista, Helena Christensen, and Lyonne Koester---some of the most memorable photographs in modern fashion history. The collection has since sold-out and was a success.
Contact us
Email team@francafund.org or call 617-264-5884 with questions.
Mailing address:
Genomes2People Research Program
41 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Suite 301
Boston, MA 02115
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter where Fashion meets Science. Keep up with the latest scientific breakthroughs, patient stories, campaigns, and upcoming events.
Follow us on Medium to stay updated with thought-provoking pieces from Genomes2People and the Franca Fund about this exciting field.