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The Society for Neuroscience’s annual meeting attracted more than 30,000 scientists to Washington, D.C., this past week, including more than 30 students, staff and faculty from the University of New England. One of the focuses of the meeting was the need for scientists to more effectively communicate the value of basic, translational and clinical research to the public.

Vice President for Research & Scholarship Edward Bilsky, Ph.D., took full advantage of the convention center’s proximity to the capital and arranged meetings with Senators Susan Collins and Angus King as well as Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.

On Monday, November 17, 2014, Bilsky met with several staff members from King’s office to discuss neuroscience issues facing Maine and the nation. He was able to update them on the progress É«ÏãÊÓƵ is making in building a comprehensive neuroscience center that includes education of undergraduate and professional students, the cutting edge research taking place, and the work with local communities and school systems to promote brain health and brain safety. 

In his meeting with King, Bilsky talked about the urgent need to better prevent, diagnose and treat pain given the number of people suffering from the effects of chronic pain and the crippling economic burden it places on the healthcare system and the nation. King and his staff suggested several follow-up items in support of addressing this problem.

Ian Meng, Ph.D., director of the Center for Excellence in Neuroscience and the Center of Biomedical Research Excellence for the Study of Pain and Sensory Function and professor of biomedical sciences in the College of Osteopathic Medicine, joined Bilsky the following day to meet with Collins, Pingree and their staffs.

As the incoming chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, Collins has a strong interest in topics associated with aging, and there was an in depth discussion of the burden of chronic pain in older adults and their specialized needs for maintaining the highest quality of life possible.  

Two É«ÏãÊÓƵ students, who are Maine residents, joined Meng and Bilsky: Katherine Cone, a senior Medical Biology/Neuroscience major from Houlton Maine spoke about her plans to become a physician and practice medicine in northern Maine. Phillip Atherton from Lebanon, Maine, described his background in the nursing field and his aspirations to become a nurse anesthetist. Both students conduct neuroscience related research in the laboratory of Associate Professor Glenn Stevenson, Ph.D., in the College of Arts and Science.

Pingree and her staff reinforced their commitment to adequately fund the National Institutes of Health and other federal programs that promote science and health related research. They commented on the positive growth of biomedical research at the É«ÏãÊÓƵand in the state of Maine and how important it is for a vibrant economy.

É«ÏãÊÓƵ participants in the visits felt that they were incredibly successful in bringing important issues to the attention of key leaders in Washington, D.C., and in highlighting their relevancy to Maine residents. The É«ÏãÊÓƵ team also gained a better understanding of how the federal government works and how to organize efforts to bring about positive change. Follow-up meetings with staff are being planned both in Maine and Washington, D.C.