Bridging the Sciences: Investment and Innovation
Bement delivers keynote, Research!America poll results released
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| William Brown III, PhD; Christen Brownlee; Alan Merten, PhD; Jennifer M. Luray; Jeremy Berg, PhD; Bill Leinweber; Tenley Albright, MD; Phil Southerland; Ira Flatow |
"Research is the most powerful force driving innovation and productivity in America and around the globe," said Arden Bement Jr., PhD, National Science Foundation director, at "Bridging the Sciences: Investment and Innovation," a research partners forum presented by Research!America and Abbott.
Bement emphasized that science must not only span disciplines but also cross sectors and national borders if we are to sustain our leadership role in the global economy.
Most Americans (69%) say research is very important to the U.S. economy, said Bill Leinweber, Research!America executive vice president, in presenting public opinion poll data. The poll also found that a majority of Americans (52%) think the U.S. is performing poorly in math and science compared to other nations, but 76% think it's very important to encourage young people to pursue scientific careers.
"We need to encourage young people to take a stronger interest in science and encourage scientists to work more across disciplines," said William Brown III, PhD, vice president, Diagnostic Assays and Systems Development, Abbott.
Phil Southerland of Team Type 1 spoke of being part of a clinical trial for a wireless insulin pump. He said the idea for the pump came about when scientists from different fields brainstormed together.
Tenley Albright, MD, director of Collaborative Initiatives at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, agreed that interaction among scientists is important. "What scientists need is a way that they will bump into each other, ... and it's exciting to see what happens when they do," she said.
Ira Flatow, host of National Public Radio's "Science Friday," moderator of the forum, said, "There is a huge thirst among the public for science."
Other panelists were Jeremy Berg, PhD, National Institute of General Medical Sciences director; Christen Brownlee, ScienceNews writer; and Alan Merten, PhD, George Mason University president.
Our introductory Bridging the Sciences fact sheet, was released at the forum. A Research!America member and principal partner, Abbott is a leading global healthcare company.
More than 100 people attended the February 1 forum at the National Press Club. Complete poll results and a transcript of the forum are available.
Originally published 3/2007
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