Bethesda, MD – Last night, in his State of the Union address, President Barack Obama presented the nation with a vision of a better future through investment in education, infrastructure, and research. Recognizing the role that innovation has played in this nation’s history and the promise that it holds for addressing the many challenges we face, he stated that “maintaining our leadership in research and technology is crucial to America’s success.”
William T. Talman, MD, President of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) responded, “we wholeheartedly agree with the President’s emphasis on education and research. We are especially pleased to hear that he will make investment in biomedical research a priority in his 2012 budget. This will promote innovation, create new technologies, improve health, and revitalize the economy. It is also gratifying to the thousands of young Americans who have dedicated themselves to pursuit of careers in science and engineering, and this will inspire others to follow their lead. They will know that the nation values their contributions.”
Talman also praised the President’s emphasis on basic research, which recognized the irreplaceable role of public funding for the investigation of fundamental scientific principles. “This work leads to dramatic breakthroughs but does not receive sufficient support from the private sector because its applications are not always immediately apparent. FASEB will enthusiastically support President Obama’s vision,” Talman added.
FASEB is composed of 23 societies with more than 100,000 members, making it the largest coalition of biomedical research associations in the United States. FASEB enhances the ability of scientists and engineers to improve — through their research — the health, well-being and productivity of all people. Our mission is to advance health and welfare by promoting progress and education in biological and biomedical sciences through service to our member societies and collaborative advocacy.