Faced with significant declines in funding for potentially lifesaving biomedical research, UMass Medical School is drawing attention to the problem with a panel discussion on the importance of National Institutes of Health grant programs. The discussion will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in the Albert Sherman Center Cube.
“The American research enterprise, led by the NIH, is the finest in the world, but now, more than ever, we must remain true to our nation’s values construct and increase investment in research, “ said Chancellor Michael F. Collins, who will lead the panel. “The health and wealth of our nation depend on it.”
The panel will comprise Congressman James P. McGovern, a proponent of increasing federal investment in the NIH to advance medical progress and maintain our nation’s leadership position in medical research; Walter Koroshetz, MD, deputy director of the NIH’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; and a representative of the region’s life sciences industry.
Additionally, UMMS research leaders Terence R. Flotte, MD, the Celia and Isaac Haidak Professor of Medical Education, executive deputy chancellor, provost, dean of the School of Medicine and professor of pediatrics; Katherine Luzuriaga, MD, professor of pediatrics and molecular medicine and vice provost for clinical and translational research; and Robert H. Brown Jr., DPhil, MD, the Leo P. and Theresa M. LaChance Chair in Medical Research andchair and professor of neurology; will share examples of their own work that demonstrates the critical role NIH funding plays in driving medical innovation and development of novel therapeutics.
Members of the UMMS community are invited to attend the panel discussion, and are asked to arrive and be seated by 1:25 p.m.
Related links on UMassMedNow:
Chancellor Collins: Basic science research key to sustaining Massachusetts biotech industry
Chancellor Collins visits D.C., Briefs lawmakers on economic and health threats of drastic cuts
Chancellor Collins: NIH research funding is vital
