Posted on September 27, 2008

Research!America Receives $1.4 Million for Global Health Research Advocacy

Research!America in Alexandria, Virginia, has announced $1.4 million in renewed support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to continue the efforts of the Paul G. Rogers Society for Global Health Research.

The society, named for a former Florida congressman who championed health research, advocates for greater U.S. investment in research to fight diseases that disproportionately affect the world's poorest nations. The latest grant from the foundation will be used to train American scientific leaders in global health research advocacy. These "citizen scientists" will work to make policy makers and the media aware of the need for sustained investment in such efforts globally as well as the value those efforts bring to the United States.

"There is no doubt that the current climate for research is unfavorable, but our polls tell us that Americans support global health research," said Research!America president Mary Woolley. "Unifying and activating stakeholders in advocacy for research is a complex process requiring bold leadership and sustained effort...Global health research is the smart thing to do for America, and the right thing to do for the world."