Washington, DC (PRWEB)
July 16, 2015
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) today acknowledged Rep. Chaka Fattah, the chairman of the CBCF’s board of directors, for his induction into the Genetic Engineering Biotechnology News (GEN) Congressional Hall of Fame list. The award recognized congressional members who have been recognized at least five times for their support of federal spending for research in biopharma or in all sciences.
“Representative Fattah understands the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in helping the United States to maintain its global leadership and competitive position,” stated A. Shuanise Washington, president and CEO of the CBCF. “African Americans are underrepresented in the STEM workforce, but under Chairman Fattah’s leadership, the CBCF is making strides to expand opportunities for the next generation of African Americans in STEM fields through our China Study Abroad and Center for Policy Analysis and Research and other initiatives.”
Fattah is one of 20 members of Congress to make the list this year. The criteria for selection includes public recognition from institutions; prior awards from groups who champion science research spending; or sponsorship of legislation that passed into law.
In 2011, President Obama signed into law the Fattah Neuroscience Initiative, the groundbreaking federal inter-agency partnership focused on neuroscience and brain development. The initiative encourages funding and research that could provide significant discoveries in how to prevent, treat and care for individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s, stroke, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, depression or brain injury.
Last year, Fattah was honored by several advocacy organizations for his support of science and medical exploration. Research! America presented him with an Edwin C. Whitehead Award for Medical Research Advocacy. Additionally, Fattah received a Pioneer in Healthcare Policy award from the Brain Mapping Foundation and Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics. The Science Coalition also recognized him with a Champion of Science award.
For more information about the award visit, genengnews.com
Genetics