Science Appropriator Fattah Builds International Relationships on Neuroscience

WASHINGTON, April 29, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Tuesday, April 30, 2013, Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA), the Senior Democrat on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Science, Justice and related agencies (CJS) will be the featured speaker at the European Institute's seminar on research and innovation, a top priority of the European Union's Horizon 2020 program.  Fattah has also accepted a request to participate in the EU's invitation-only brain conference where the agenda will be framed around translational biomedical research.  Both events provide scientists and policy makers an opportunity to work more cooperatively on transatlantic research and global competitiveness.

Tuesday's seminar in Washington, DC is a joint venture between the Jean Monnet Foundation, based in Lausanne, Switzerland, and the European Institute to mark the official launch of a partnership to examine the future of European-American relations from the perspective of major policymakers and practitioners from both sides of the Atlantic.

Fattah's remarks will focus on building a better relationship between America and Europe regarding research and innovation.  "A greater understanding of neuroscience is not just my priority, it's a global priority," said Fattah.  "Scientists, policy makers and global leaders agree that when it comes to neuroscience there is a need for greater transatlantic research and cooperation."

Over the last two years, Fattah—who has made neuroscience one of his top legislative priorities—has met with national and international leaders, including Enda Kenny, the Prime Minister of Ireland, Robert-Jan Smits, Director General for Research and Innovation for the European Commission and other prominent leading scientists from academia and industry.  The meetings have focused on how best to advance research in neuroscience and emerging technologies that will lead to breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders.

Fattah has been invited by the 2013 Irish Presidency of the European Union and the European Commission to participate in their invitation-only conference: Healthy Brain: Healthy Europe – A new horizon for brain research and healthcare.

The invitation comes to Representative Fattah as he is the lead neuroscience research advocate in Congress.  The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) has established an Interagency Working Group on Neuroscience (IWGN).  The IWGN is a significant component of the Fattah Neuroscience Initiative (FNI), designed to make game-changing progress in the understanding of and therapies for brain development, cognition, disease and injury.

The conference – scheduled for the end of May - will bring together renowned experts, to highlight why policymakers across the EU, member states, and associated countries should devise or refine, strategies on brain research and healthcare.

"I am appreciative of the invitation to take a look at brain research from a global perspective," said Congressman Fattah.  "I'll join other leading experts to look at varying aspects of neuroscience such as the scientific, socioeconomic and regulatory perspectives.  There is a growing consensus, both in the United States and worldwide, that there is a lot to do in the area of brain research.  While considerable strides have been made, there is still much more to be done."

Fattah will join together with other policy makers, researchers, health professionals, representatives from ministries, regulatory agencies and other international organizations to deliver clear policy recommendations for brain research and healthcare.  The two day conference will be held in Dublin, Ireland.

SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah