Who we are
Hello, my name is Ned Warner, and welcome to Edison Foundation.
I am a gastroenterologist in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and have been in practice for 20 years. Since college, I’ve always wanted to be part of a team that helps cure colon cancer. As a gastroenterologist, I have never been able to directly participate in this cause—until now.
In college, I worked with a research team at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. At that time, DNA sequencing technology was advancing rapidly, and the lab seemed to vibrate with a strong sense of urgency and purpose. After I left the laboratory to attend Medical School, I kept thinking about ways in which I could make a sustained and meaningful contribution to research. The answer was provided when a colleague proposed that the slow progress of drug development compared with computer development as due to their different approaches to failure. In business, early failure was not penalized because it was expected that most ventures would fail. By contrast, in academia, young faculty who do not enjoy early success are quite likely to be considered unsuitable for an academic career.
From this discussion, Edison Foundation (the name was inspired by the concept of “shedding light” on human disease) was founded. We aim to provide a unique conduit from donors to outstanding scientists, ensuring that all donated money goes directly toward research—no cuts or fees are taken by our foundation. This way, the donor can enjoy the peace of mind that their funds are being used to their fullest capacity, and the donor can also benefit from the 501 C3 donation tax exemption. These funds will enable the brightest minds to acquire the means to work toward cures for colon cancer and other diseases. As a doctor, I will work to identify top researchers in different fields and pair them with generous donors to make invaluable progress with numerous projects over the next 20-plus years.
A Warner Family Project
Ned Warner – Chairman
Ned Warner has been doing clinical research at the Grand Teton Research Group, in conjunction with his G.I. practice, since 2012. The group has conducted extensive clinical research for inflammatory bowel disease, fatty liver, GERD, and other GI disorders. He has been the principal investigator in many studies over the years. He continues to participate in phase 3 and 4 clinical trials.
The Grand Teton Research Group is not affiliated with Edison Foundation.
Ned Warner graduated from the University of Utah with a psychology degree, and then from the University of North Texas Health Science Center with a Doctor of Osteopathy degree in 2000. He then finished a G.I. fellowship in 2006 at Botsford General Hospital of Michigan State program. He has been a gastroenterologist at Grand Teton Gastroenterology in Idaho Falls since 2006.
William Warner – Board Member
William Warner is a first-year medical student at Creighton University School of Medicine. He graduated with a genetics degree from Brigham Young University.
Zachary Warner – Board Member
Zachary Warner is a student at Brigham Young University studying molecular biology. He plans to attend medical school in 2027.