BRAIN Initiative Leader is Recognized by Leading Brain Mapping Association and Foundation; SBMT and BMF Calls for Formation of Brain Technology and Research Parks as well as Global Collaboration on Technology Development and Data sharing

The 13^th Annual World Congress of SBMT covered majority of neurological diseases such as brain cancer, neurotrauma (including Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and Traumatic Brain Injury), psychiatric disorders, neurodegenerative disorders (including Parkinson's & Alzheimer's diseases).  SBMT and Brain Mapping Foundation (BMF) also recognized pioneering scientific works by Drs. Ted Berger (USC) for his pioneering work in Brain Computer Interface, Bennet Omalu (UCD) for discovering Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in retired NFL football players, Aaron Filler (Institute for Nerve Medicine) for his pioneering work in Diffusion Tensor Imaging/neuro Imaging. 

"I am thrilled to receive this honor from the SBMT, and I accept it on behalf of the entire team of engineers, neuroscientists and physicians who have been working with me to create a cognitive prosthesis to recover lost memory function that is now being tested in human patients,"  said Dr. Ted Berger, Professor of Biomedical Engineering at University of Southern California. "By recognizing interdisciplinary work on brain-computer interfaces, the SBMT brings into focus next-generation research that will push the envelope of neural system repair to include medical devices that bi-directionally communicate with the brain so as to recover higher thought processes so often ravaged by diseases such as Alzheimer's.  We look forward to completing the first clinical tests of this memory prosthesis, and ultimately bringing the rewards of this research to the public," he continued.

The Pioneer in Technology Development Award was presented to Dr. John Ralston, Chairman President and CEO of X2 BioSystems, Inc., and Dr. Chenzhong Li, Florida International University for their pioneering work in designing and engineering a sensor to measure G-force to the brain of athletics and soldiers (Dr. Ralston at X2 BioSystems) and beta-amyloid in brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease (Dr. Li at FIU).

"I am honored and humbled to have this award given by SBMT. As a professor of Biomedical Engineering, I am more interested in translational research such as the micro immune biosensor, which enable us to monitor  Alzheimer's disease biomarker in and out of brain," Dr. Chenzhong Li, Professor of Biomedical Engineering at FIU.

Corporal William Kyle Carpenter, USMC (ret), the youngest living recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, received SBMT's Beacon of Courage and Dedication Award.

Every year SBMT and BMF recognize the pioneering work by policy makers who have contributed significantly to the progress of the field of Brain Mapping and Therapeutics.   "The award committee of SBMT and BMF is delighted to present the 2016 Prestigious Pioneer award to our colleagues including Congressman Dr. Andy Harris who has been a great leader and supportive of the BRAIN Initiative and the G20 World Brain Mapping and Therapeutics Initiative," said, Dr. Vicky Yamamoto, a newly appointed Executive Director of SBMT, a cancer scientist and a member of the Executive Board of SBMT.

Past recipients of the Pioneer in Healthcare Policy award include Co-chair of Congressional Neuroscience Caucus: Congresswoman Mc Morris Rodgers and Congressman Blumenauer, Congressman Fattah, Secretary of State Honorable John Kerry, Science Minister of Canada Honorable Kirsty Duncan. Honorable Congressman Andy Harris was also a keynote speaker at 2016 Annual World Brain Mapping of SBMT in Miami, which he spoke about adjusting the model of the government funding agencies to the 21^st century so that younger scientists who are innovative could be supported and collaborations with organizations like SBMT that are on the forefront of innovation could be fostered.

"I am honored by this recognition and encouraged by the amazing science and technology presented at the Brain Mapping day on Capitol Hill, which was a snapshot of the 13^th annual World Congress of SBMT in Miami. I am also supportive of a continued global partnership in science," said Congressman Andy Harris, M.D.

The 2016 Pioneer in Healthcare Policy award was presented by the scientific delegation of SBMT to the Honorable Congressman Dr. Andy Harris at the 5^th Annual Brain Mapping Day at the US Congress, which was held at the Rayburn House office building on April 20^Th 2016.  The Program was jointly sponsored by Congressional Neuroscience Caucus, SBMT, BMF, National Center for NanoBioElectronic, X2 BioSystems and SAP. 

"G20+/N20+ World Brain Mapping Initiative aims to fundamentally change the culture of scientific innovation and discovery.  We mean it when we talk about collaboration and breaking walls and silos of group thinking amongst associations and scientific groups. We also believe that there is a great need for formation of Brain Research and Technology Parks, which could globally facilitate and interconnect our efforts to discover brain functions and dysfunctions," said Dr. Babak Kateb, Founding Chairman of the Board, CEO and Scientific Director of SBMT, Scientific Director and Director of Strategic Alliance at California Neurosurgical Institute, President of Brain Mapping foundation, Visiting Scientist at NASA/JPL and Director of National Center for NanoBioElectronics, CA, USA.

At the Brain Mapping Day, scientist, engineers, and surgeons briefed the Congressional leaders and their staff about the latest advances in the field and advised the leaders to encourage global collaboration through G20+/N20+ (Neuroscience 20+) World Brain Mapping and Therapeutics Initiative and allocate funding for the USA BRAIN Research and Technology Parks.

"Our G20+/N20+ Word Brain Mapping Initiative is aimed at the global partnership for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics; we already have started building strategic alliances globally and expanding our Brain Research and Technology Parks in Australia, China, Middle East and hope the US catch up with these efforts soon," said Dr. Kuldip Sidhu, Vice Chairman of the G20+/N20+ World Brain Mapping and Therapeutics Initiative, Past President of SBMT, President of World Brain Mapping Foundation-Australia and member of the Executive Board of SBMT; Associate Professor of Stem Cell at UNSW, Sydney Australia.

Press Contact
Dr. Vicky Yamamoto
Cancer Scientist &
Executive Director of SBMT
[email protected] 
310-500-6196

About SBMT:
www.WorldBrainMapping.Org 

About Brain Mapping Foundation:
www.BrainMappingFoundation.Org

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160429/361832

SOURCE Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics (SBMT)