For breast cancer research, Indra and Raj Nooyi donated $1 million to the Department of Surgery at Yale School of Medicine.

Indra and Raj Nooyi Donate $1 Million to Yale for Breast Cancer Research Yale alumna Indra Nooyi and her husband, Raj Nooyi, have contributed $1 million to Yale School of Medicine’s Department of Surgery to establish the Raj and Indra Nooyi Cancer Research Fund.

The fund, overseen by Dr. Mehra Golshan, professor of surgery (oncology), and Dr. Parisa Lotfi, assistant professor of radiology and biomedical imaging, will support advanced research aimed at minimizing the toxicity and challenges associated with breast cancer treatment.

The Nooyis, known for their philanthropy, have been long-time supporters of Yale, previously contributing to its Schools of Management and Public Health. With their latest donation, they aim to drive forward breast cancer research through an integrated approach that bridges medicine and surgery.

Dr. Golshan praised the couple’s commitment, emphasizing its role in revolutionizing patient care. “This generous funding will fuel groundbreaking research, ensuring more effective and patient-centered breast cancer treatments,” he said.

Highlighting the motivation behind the initiative, Golshan noted that he had numerous discussions with the Nooyis about the challenges of securing funding for cutting-edge research. “Their dedication to supporting both cancer research and surgical advancements at Yale inspired this initiative,” he added.

The research will explore innovative approaches, including molecular-based imaging and image-guided techniques, to reduce the need for repeat surgeries and enhance treatment effectiveness. Additionally, Golshan’s team is focused on optimizing care for patients with low-risk conditions like Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) and improving post-surgical outcomes for women experiencing lymphedema.

This donation marks a significant step toward advancing breast cancer treatment, reinforcing the Nooyis' legacy of impactful contributions to healthcare research.