M7 AND THE FRANCA FUND HOST INAUGURAL GALA IN DOHA TO ADVANCE THE FUTURE OF PREVENTIVE GENOMICS

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THE FUTURE OF PREVENTIVE GENOMICS

Event in honor of Franca Sozzani drives critical fundraising to support ongoing medical research
DOHA, QATAR, November 24, 2025 – M7, Qatar’s hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in design, fashion and
technology, in partnership with The Franca Sozzani Fund for Preventive Genomics, hosted the Franca Fund
Gala, which was held on November 23, 2025 at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar. This milestone
honored the life and legacy of the late Franca Sozzani, the trailblazing editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia, by raising
critical funds to drive research in preventative genomics. The event took place as Qatar marks its cultural journey
over the past 50 years with Evolution Nation, a celebration highlighting both the nation’s cultural milestones and its
aspirations for the future.
The gala was co-hosted by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani,
Chairperson of Qatar Museums and Co-Chair of Fashion Trust Arabia, Francesco Carrozzini, Co-Founder,
Franca Sozzani Fund for Preventive Genomics and Sozzani’s son, and global editorial director at Vogue and chief
content officer for Condé Nast and longtime friend of Sozzani, Anna Wintour.
“This evening, we have come together to honor the vision of Franca Sozzani, who used fashion to disrupt, to talk
about difficult topics, and to give the voiceless a voice. In the presence of her family, we celebrate her courage
and resilience, as we join to advance the work of The Franca Sozzani Fund for Preventive Genomics,” said Her
Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. “Tonight’s gala underscores our commitment to
reimagine healthcare through cutting-edge science, combined with the highest ethical standards, global
advocacy, and compassionate care. These vital goals are the core of Franca Fund as well as our other
beneficiaries this evening: the Qatar Cancer Society and the Xana Foundation in Barcelona.”
The event raised more than $4 million USD, which will directly support the work of The Franca Fund and its
visionary goal: to support ongoing research programs in preventive genomics at Harvard Medical School and
Mass General Brigham, led by internationally acclaimed physician-scientist and Harvard Professor of Medicine
(Genetics) Dr. Robert Green. Dr. Green is considered a pioneer in the responsible use of DNA analysis to detect
and provide early treatment or prevention of inherited conditions that affect millions of children and adults
worldwide.
“My mother believed that ideas should never sit still,” said Carrozzini. “She once told me, ‘If it’s not daring, it’s not
new. And if it’s not new, it won’t matter.’ That was Franca – fearless, restless, always pushing everyone, including
herself, to see what others haven’t yet seen. The Franca Fund was born from that same spirit with the intention of
taking something deeply personal and turning it into a collective act of progress. Health – like creativity – should
never be a privilege. Preventive genomics has the power to save lives – not years from now, but today. It’s the
idea that through our DNA we can predict disease before it happens and protect future generations from
unnecessary loss.”
Advancing equity in access to medical care, H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
announced a donation to the Qatar Cancer Society, founded and chaired since 1997 by Dr. Khalid bin Jabor Al
Thani. Serving as a voice of awareness and a platform of support for all those facing the journey of cancer
treatment, the Qatar Cancer Society offers every patient a renewed sense of hope, providing financial assistance
to more than 10,770 cancer patients.
H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani also announced a contribution to the Xana Foundation
in support of the launch La Casa De Las Xanas. The Xana Foundation was born to offer warm support and steadfast

companionship to families whose children face serious illnesses. La Casa de las Xanas, a pioneering holistic center
in Spain, aims to be a home in a natural and welcoming environment, designed to accommodate vulnerable families
with children undergoing treatment for serious illnesses. Construction on the center is scheduled to begin in August
2026.
The evening included musical performances by Elyanna and Golshifteh Farahani, keynote speeches by H.E.
Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Dr. Robert Green, as well as a silent auction with singular
lots such as an original artwork by Damien Hirst, the chance to attend a fashion show with Wintour, a private tennis
lesson with Jannik Sinner and more.
VIPS in attendance include: Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, Afef Jnifen, Alessandro Borghi, Alton
Mason, Amina Muaddi, Anas Abouqamer, Anna Dello Russo, Azza Slimene, Bee Carrozzini, Carla Sozzani, Carine
Roitfeld, Chriselle Lim, Christian Louboutin, Daniel Roseberry, Elena Cullell, Elyanna, Emma Thynn, Erdem
Moralıoğlu, Farida Khelfa, Fai Khadra, Fatma Al Remaihi, Francesco Risso, François-Henri Pinault, Gaia Repossi,
Giambattista Valli, Gisele Bündchen, Giuseppe Maggio, Golshifteh Farahani, Hillary Taymour, Isabelle Adjani, Dr.
Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, Izabel Goulart, Jacob Rott, Joakim Noah, Jeff Koons, Lais Ribeiro, Lady Amelia Spencer,
Lady Eliza Spencer, Lord David Snowdon, Lucie de la Falaise, Marco Verratti, Mariacarla Boscono, Mary
Katrantzou, Mia Moretti, Miuccia Prada, Natalia Vodianova, Paloma Elsesser, Peter Dundas, Pierpaolo Piccioli,
Pom Klementieff, Precious Lee, Pritika Swarup, Rania Benchegra, Razane Jammal, Regina King, Remo Ruffini,
Ridha Moumni, Roopal Patel, Salwa Idrissi Akhannouch, Sara Maino, Selma Blair, Shanina Shaik, Simone Rocha,
Stephen Jones, Tamara Kalinic, Tania Fares, Tessa Thompson, Tyra Banks, and more.
MEDIA RESOURCES
Getty Images Red Carpet Arrivals: M7 Introduces the Franca Fund Gala 2025 – Arrivals
Getty Images Reception & Gala: M7 Introduces the Franca Fund Gala 2025 – Gala
BFA Red Carpet Arrivals: M7 Introduces the Franca Fund Gala 2025: Step and Repeat
BFA Reception & Gala: M7 Introduces the Franca Fund Gala 2025
German Larkin: Courtesy of German Larkin
Gala Image Courtesy of RHC: RHC
Reception Images & Drone Footage Courtesy of Qatar Museums: Qatar Museums
Additional b-roll and video footage to come.
For more information on Dr. Green’s research see his bio and his 2025 mainstage TED Talk here and here.

SOCIAL HANDLES:
Instagram: @almayassabnthamad, @qatar_museums, @m7.qatar, @francafund, @genomes2people
X: @almayassahamad, @qatar_museums, @francafund, @robertcgreen, @genomes2people

ABOUT M7
M7 is Qatar’s creative hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in design, fashion, and technology. Established
under the leadership of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, M7 serves as a
dynamic ecosystem that nurtures emerging and established talent through education, incubation, and
collaboration. Located in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha, M7 hosts exhibitions, workshops, and initiatives
that bridge local creativity with global industry, empowering Qatar’s next generation of designers and innovators
to shape the future of the country’s cultural and creative economy.

ABOUT THE FRANCA FUND
The Franca Sozzani Fund for Preventive Genomics was established in honor of the late Vogue Italia editor-in-
chief Franca Sozzani, whose visionary work transcended fashion to champion innovation, diversity, and social
impact. Created by her son Francesco Carrozzini in partnership with Dr. Robert C. Green of Harvard Medical
School and Mass General Brigham, the Fund supports groundbreaking research in preventive genomics – aiming
to make genetic testing and personalized healthcare accessible to all. Guided by Franca’s belief in the power of
creativity and science to shape a better future, the Fund continues her legacy by advancing global awareness,
funding pioneering research, and inspiring dialogue at the intersection of fashion, health, and humanity.
For more information, to support the Fund, or to explore the science behind its mission,
visit: www.thefrancafund.org

For inquiries about The Franca Fund Gala, please contact:
Brie Cross
SVP, Media Relations
cross@kcdworldwide.com
Kim Valarezo
Director, Media Relations
valarezo@kcdworldwide.com
Megan Burke
Junior Publicist, Media Relations
mburke@kcdworldwide.com
For inquiries about H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa and Qatar Museums, please contact:
Megan Sprenger
SVP, Polskin Arts
megan.sprenger@finnpartners.com
Amy Wentz
EVP, Polskin Arts
amy.wentz@finnpartners.com