Monthly Archive for March, 2007Page 2 of 3

Flat Funding Threatens Biomedical Research, Progress

In new news: (forwarded from MLA National) On March 19, 2007, a forthcoming report on the future of biomedical research that will be addressed within the context of the FY08 appropriations bill. Senator Harkin and leading universities to release new report on how flat funding of biomedical research threatens scientific and medical progress. Following a Senate Appropriations Labor-HHS Committee hearing on funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), scientists from a consortium of nine leading academic institutions will release a major report on the state of biomedical research in the United States. The report will explain how consecutive years of stagnant budgets have resulted in promising research being halted in mid-stream, seasoned researchers challenged in sustaining scientific progress, young investigators concerned that uncertain future funding may force them to leave careers in science, and an undermining of U.S. global leadership in biomedical research. The group will offer examples of how flat funding of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) could affect advances into treatment for cancer, spinal cord and brain injuries, and Alzheimers disease.

Subcommittee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) will join top scientists to discuss the implications of the reports findings for the 2008 budget and beyond.

The report will be available at the press conference. Its authors include the University of California system, Columbia University, Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, Partners Healthcare, University of Texas at Austin, Washington University in St. Louis, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Yale University.

Where: 216 Hart Senate Office Building
When: Monday, March 19, 2007 3:00- 4:00 p.m.
Who:Sen. Tom Harkin, Senate Appropriations Committee
Edward Miller, M.D., Dean of the Medical Faculty, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Stephen Strittmatter, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Neurology and Neurobiology, Yale University School of Medicine

Sunshine Week 2007

In the news: On March 12, 2007, ALA co-hosted “Closed Doors; Open Democracies?” an event organized by OpenTheGovernment.org. This event kicked off “Sunshine Week 2007″ a weeklong celebration of the importance of open government and freedom of information. And don’t forget: March 16, 2007 is Freedom of Information Day.

ALA Statement on FBI/NSLs

In the news:  on March 8, 2007, ALA President Leslie Burger issued a satement on the the FBI’s potential violations of law regarding their distribution and enforcement of National Security Letters (NSLs).  To read Burger’s statement:

Leslie Burger’s statement regarding FBI, NSLs and the Patriot Act

Nomination deadline for the Randy Brenner Consumer Health Award extended till March 23

Are you involved in a consumer health information service? Do you know an information professional who deserves recognition for their consumer health efforts? Consider applying for the Randy Brenner Consumer Health Award.

Dine-Around escorts needed

Do you have a favorite restaurant in Philadelphia you would like to share with your library colleagues? Do you enjoy meeting new colleagues from all over the country? Andrea Kenyon, on behalf of the Local Assistance Committee (LAC), is coordinating the Dine-Arounds for the MLA conference in Philadelphia. She is looking for foodies/volunteers to escort groups of 6-8 conference attendees to local restaurants. LAC will promote the event, sign up diners in advance and provide you with the group list. You would be responsible for making the reservation and escorting your group to the restaurant from a pre-designated meeting place in the hotel. Pick a restaurant that you’ve eaten at before and are comfortable getting to–no trial runs! The Dine-Arounds will be Thursday, May 17, Friday May 18 and Saturday May 19. Please contact Andrea directly at kenyon@collphyphil.org with the date you are willing to be a host and the name of the restaurant.