Photo credit: RACHEL DEVOR / THE EAGLE
Last week I had the opportunity to listen to two U.S. presidents discuss the future of America and the world – President Barack Obama in the 2012 State of the Union (via live-stream) and former President Bill Clinton at American University where he spoke about his latest work with the William J. Clinton Foundation (as a member of the audience).
While the purpose and overall messaging of both speeches were drastically different, one theme tied them together: America’s future depends on scientific innovation and, more importantly, investment in science. If the calls for action in both of these speeches materialize, this may be the year for biotechnology.
In his speech Obama said:
Innovation also demands basic research. Today, the discoveries taking place in our federally financed labs and universities could lead to new treatments that kill cancer cells but leave healthy ones untouched, new lightweight vests for cops and soldiers that can stop any bullet.
Don’t gut these investments in our budget. Don’t let other countries win the race for the future. Support the same kind of research and innovation that led to the computer chip and the Internet, to new American jobs and new American industries. (Full Transcript)
Obama’s framing of science as a key to the future could not have come at a better time for the biotechnology industry. After weathering the recession and a loss in private funding, the biotechnology industry is well on its way to recovery with continued advances in technology and medical research.
It’s already a big year for the medical world. To start, the drafting of a strategic plan for the national campaign to end Alzheimer’s disease is a major step since the passing of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act in 2010. The strategic plan placed neurological diseases in news headlines and on the political agenda. In the private sector, genome and exome sequencing technologies are bringing us closer to affordable and quick identification of genes and mutations that may lead to cures for cancer and other diseases.
In his speech at American University, President Clinton strongly encouraged young people to join the fight for scientific advancement. The William J. Clinton Foundation works to promote development in Africa and around the world – its focuses include the treatment and fight against HIV/AIDS, malaria and obesity. Clinton’s central message was that Americans have no choice but to support and pursue science, especially medical research and climate change, if we hope to improve the basic living standards of people globally and maintain our civilization. Clinton spoke to college students, reminding them that they are the next generation and the future is their fight.
It was exciting to hear these prominent political figures show their support for medical research and frame biotechnology as a key component in America’s future. And from a personal standpoint, it’s exciting to know I’m entering a career where I can help to communicate these advancements to the proper audiences and drive funding and awareness needed to get life-changing medicines to people in need.