Senators Harkin, Kennedy and Specter honored as champions of health research

The Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, Research!America and the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation recognized these three senators for their continued support of research for health, their leadership and shared commitment to making it a high national priority, on Tuesday evening August 4th at the Russell Senate Office Building.

Elias A. Zerhouni, MD, the immediate former director of the National Institutes of Health was moderator. Attendees included distinguished scientists, Nobel laureates, members of Congress and over 100 leaders in the health research community – including Dr. Francis Collins, noted geneticist and nominee for NIH director, and Nobel Laureate Dr. Joseph Goldstein.

Although Senator Edward Kennedy was unable to attend, his lifelong friend and Foundation for NIH executive board member Mrs. William McCormick Blair, Jr. accepted on his behalf. “Teddy deeply appreciates this award. As a nation we have an extraordinary scientific imagination. We can change the major causes of death, disease and disability and enhance our quality of life.”

Charles A. Sanders, M.D., FNIH chair, said, “Senator Kennedy has set the stage for realizing the hope for a healthier nation with his courageous support of NIH and other federal research agencies, embryonic stem cell research and mental health, and his advocacy for reducing health disparities.”

In his remarks, Senator Harkin spoke of his commitment to NIH. “I have always believed that it is a prime responsibility of the federal government to support the NIH. But our work is not over. The next great challenge is solid funding for 2011. We’re going to need all of your advocating in the next year.”

“Senator Harkin's prioritization of our investment in medical research and his unwavering support for NIH has helped to ensure the future of basic science and the promise of cures through clinical advances,” noted Alfred Sommer, M.D., MHS, Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation chair.

Senator Arlen Specter, in his acceptance remarks: “I am honored to be recognized, along with my esteemed colleagues for my work in the Senate to advance health and medical research. Health is one of our nation's greatest capital assets and I will continue to fight to increase funding for the National Institutes of Health and to press forward in seeking cures.”

The Honorable John Edward Porter, Research!America chair, said, “During his 30-year career as a senator, Arlen has been a tireless advocate for research to improve lives, exhibiting a masterful ability to translate medical research and scientific advances into language that leaders and the public can understand.”