FASEBnews January 20, 1999
For more information, contact: Howard Garrison, 301/571-0657, [email protected]
Nation's Largest Coalition of Life Scientists Presents Recommendations for Federal Funding of Biomedical and Life Sciences Research
Bethesda, MD--Today, the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), the largest coalition of life sciences societies in the United States, representing nearly 56,000 scientists, released a report recommending major increases in the FY2000 federal research budget. Commenting on the report, FASEB President William R. Brinkley explained that we are in the midst of a tremendous period of discovery in the life sciences and stand on the threshold of even more profound advances in knowledge. "American citizens and their elected representatives understand that this nation's progress and prosperity are dependent on our advancements in science, and they have called for doubling of the federal investment in medical research to accelerate our progress."
Last year, the nation's leaders provided historic increases for life sciences research as a first step toward this goal. To continue the spectacular progress of the recent past and to reach the promise of new discoveries that looms before us, the report urges that we maintain our national commitment to invest in fundamental research. Specifically, the report recommends a 15% increase in the NIH budget for biomedical research, continuing the widely-supported doubling of the agency's budget over five years, which began in FY1999. A 15% increase in the NSF budget is strongly advocated to support fundamental research in a broad range of scientific fields, including biology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics. The report also recommends significant increases in biological and life sciences programs within four other federal agencies: USDA, DOE, VA, and NASA.
The report summarizes the recommendations of a conference on federal funding and research priorities held in December 1998, which brought together scientists representing each of FASEB's 17 biomedical research societies. Representative Vernon H. Ehlers (R-MI) and NIH Director Harold Varmus addressed the assembly. The report outlines both the achievements and the needs of each federal agency reviewed and offers an impressive blueprint for wise investment in America's future.
The report is available on the FASEB home page at http://www.faseb.org/opa/fund2000. Printed copies of the report will be available from FASEB's Office of Public Affairs after January 28.
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ABOUT FASEB...
The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) is the largest coalition of life sciences societies in the United States. The scientists comprising FASEB's 17 member societies are committed to achieving excellence in both fundamental research and advanced education.
Regular Members:
The American Physiological Society
American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
American Society of Investigative Pathology
American Society of Nutritional Sciences
The American Association of Immunologists
The American Society for Cell Biology
Biophysical Society
American Association of Anatomists
The Protein Society
The American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
American Society for Clinical Investigation
Associate Members:
Society for Developmental Biology
American Peptide Society
Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities
Society for the Study of Reproduction
Teratology Society
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