Fattah Receives Award For His Work in Neuroscience Research

WASHINGTON, March 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA), the senior Democrat on the House Appropriations Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice, Science and related agencies (CJS) and the lead neuroscience research advocate in Congress, has been selected to receive the 2012 Leadership Award from the Biological and Ecological Sciences Coalition (BESC).

The award recognizes Fattah's leadership in neuroscience, scientific and biological research.  In November, the Philadelphia representative won bipartisan Congressional approval to designate neuroscience research as a top federal priority. The Fattah Initiative – signed into law - calls on the White House "to establish, through the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), an interagency working group to coordinate Federal investments in neuroscience research."

In response, the White House has named Dr. Philip Rubin, Chair of the National Academies Board on Behavioral, Cognitive, and Sensory Sciences and a Professor Adjunct at Yale's University's School of Medicine to lead the efforts of the federal Neuroscience Working Group.

Under the working group all federal research on the brain – including brain development, brain injury and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, and post traumatic stress, will for the first time be coordinated under one office.  A new report this week from the Alzheimer's Association supports the need for investment and coordinated research for treatment and a cure. The report finds that treating and caring for people with Alzheimer's and related diseases of the brain will cost the United States an estimated $200 billion in 2012.

In a letter to Fattah, the BESC - an alliance of organizations united to support national investment in biological research across all federal agencies, particularly the National Science Foundation (NSF) - wrote that he was selected for the Leadership Award because of his dedication to federal investment in scientific research and education. The organization also thanked the congressman for advocating for the research dollars necessary to address national challenges, remain globally competitive, and equip young people for the science and technology jobs of the future. 

Fattah said, "I appreciate the recognition of the coalition and thank them for this award. There is much work to be done to understand the intricacies of the brain. With proper investment and coordinated efforts will come scientific breakthroughs.  Brain disease and brain injury in all forms must remain a national priority."

The Biological and Ecological Sciences Coalition is an alliance of organizations united to support national investment in biological research across all federal agencies, particularly the National Science Foundation (NSF).

SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah

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