Researchers must become their own advocates to help the U.S. maintain its position as a world-leader in the life sciences.
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| Mary Woolley |
That was the word Monday morning from Mary Woolley, president of Research!America, the nation’s largest non-profit group that works to make health care a higher national priority.
This is particularly true, she said, as federal budgets for research shrink and international competitors take stronger positions in the research world.
“We need to put a recognizable face on research, yours,” said Woolley, who noted that the vast majority of Americans cannot name one living scientist.
Dire consequences
The loss of its position as a leader in biomedical research has significant economic consequences for the U.S. that will particularly affect academic health science centers such as UNMC, said Woolley, who made her comments Monday morning at a campus presentation for the UNMC Delegates.
Scientists need to engage in discussions about their work with the public and policy makers to educate these populations about the various ways research is important.
Help make research a national priority
Major budget plans by key government officials completely ignore biomedical research as a priority, Woolley said.
As that is the case, Woolley challenged researchers to advocate for their work and show that funding for research is an investment, not a cost.
After her UNMC appearance, Woolley spoke later in the day at a Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures luncheon to honor Omahans Fred and Eve Simon for their support of research.