Biophysical Newsletter - September 2014

11

BIOPHYSICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER

2014

SEPTEMBER

Technology (NIST). The bill would also promote the economic benefits of promising R&D and address agency efforts, including at NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), to increase participation in STEM fields, including among women and minorities. As in the original bill, the America COMPETES Act of 2007, the Reauthorization’s goal is to increase investments in key federal R&D activities; to advance STEM education; and to support the innovation necessary for economic growth. “Our bill makes it clear that the US is committed not only to investing in research, but also to getting our students excited about STEM so that America can continue to lead the world in innovation,” Rockefeller said in a press release. With only September left before Congress adjourns for the year (with the exception of a lame ducks session that will probably occur to finish necessary business, such as appropriations), it is unlikely the reauthorization bill will become law this year. It does lay the groundwork for 2015, though. Ask Your Candidates Voter Initiative issues of importance to them. To help the public learn where candidates stand on issues related to medical progress, such as federal funding for re- search, Research!America has launched an initiative called Ask Your Candidates . The purpose of the initiative is to get those running for Congress to publicly share their positions on these issues. As of August 1, candidates from 32 states had responded to requests to comment on the importance of medical progress. Individuals can ask the candidates running in their districts to participate using Research!America’s prepared letter available at http://www.cap- With midterm Congressional elections around the corner, many voters are reading about the candidates and trying to determine where they stand on

wiz.com/ram/issues/alert/?alertid=63167326. If your candidate has already provided a statement on his/her position, you can use the link to thank them. Both asking candidates to answer and thank- ing those that already have helps raise awareness of the importance of medical progress and voters’ interest in the issue. You can read submitted statements submitted by candidates at www.askyourcandidates.org. Landis to Step Down at NINDS Story Landis , Director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, announced that she will step down from that role in September. Landis has served as director since 2003 and prior to that as Scientific Director since 2005. Walter Koroshetz , who is currently the NINDS deputy director, will serve as Acting Di- rector as a national search is conducted for Landis’ replacement. Koroshetz’s research has spanned the spectrum from basic electrophysiology studies to clinical research focused on identifying treatments for stroke and Huntington’s disease.

Get Involved! On September 18, representatives from the Biophysical Society will join individuals from dozens of other research, health, and patient advocacy organizations to advocate for federal funding for medical research on Capitol Hill. Society members are encouraged to participate in the advocacy efforts on the 18th by calling, tweeting, or writing their Congressmen. Information on how to participate is available on the front page of the Biophysical Society website.