Society for Neuroscience Applauds Historic Support for National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation in Final Economic Recovery Package

For immediate release.

SOCIETY FOR NEUROSCIENCE APPLAUDS HISTORIC SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH AND NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION IN FINAL ECONOMIC RECOVERY PACKAGE

Research investment will help create tens of thousands of jobs now while simultaneously sparking health and scientific discovery for next generation

WASHINGTON – The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) today applauded President Obama’s signing of the final economic recovery package that includes $10 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and $3 billion for the National Science Foundation. SfN President Thomas J. Carew issued the following statement:

“The Society for Neuroscience applauds President Obama and Congressional leaders for recognizing that funding science creates and saves jobs now, while simultaneously supporting America’s future health and economic competitiveness. We deeply thank Senators Specter and Harkin, visionary leaders for medical research, as well as Majority Leader Reid, Chairman Inouye, Speaker Pelosi, and Chairman Obey. We also commend the many fellow organizations that joined SfN in calling for this bold and visionary investment, especially Research!America, the leading coalition aiming to make medical research a higher national priority.

“Recognizing the strong confidence shown in science, neuroscientists in hundreds of universities, medical centers, and research institutes in every state are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work, hire staff, and purchase equipment. Their discoveries will fundamentally advance scientific knowledge, a key goal in a science-driven global economy, and they will also form the foundation for new treatments for thousands of medical conditions that cause wide human suffering and enormous economic costs.

“Today’s historic investment must be the first step to reprioritizing and stabilizing U.S. science funding and policy after years of neglect and flat funding, and should send a strong signal to the next generation of scientists that this endeavor will be a high priority for decades to come. Investing in science is an investment in the discovery, innovation, health, and prosperity that will help ensure America’s strong future.”