Conrad Stresses Importance of Life Sciences to ND's Economy

Press Release

Senator Kent Conrad today kicked off the 2011 Red River Valley Research Corridor Life Sciences Action Summit and highlighted how the growing biotechnology and medical research industry plays a crucial role in North Dakota's strong economy.

"The life sciences are an increasingly important component of the economic development in the Red River Valley," Senator Conrad said. "Today, we have biomedical research taking place up and down the valley at three universities and numerous private industries. They are working on innovative vaccines and medicines that can lead to healthier lives. We need to embrace the life sciences and help the industry grow in the Red River Valley and across North Dakota."

Some of the nation's top scientific and business leaders attended the summit today to share research, ideas, and best practices. Senator Conrad, the co-host of the Life Sciences Summit, spoke on the importance of tackling America's fiscal challenges. He noted how the nation's current fiscal condition jeopardizes federal funding for the scientific research that is necessary for the future success of the nation.

Senator Conrad also introduced Dr. Bruce Gellin, who delivered the keynote address. Dr. Gellin is director of the National Vaccine Program Office within the Department of Health and Human Services and is considered one of the nation's top experts on vaccines and infectious diseases.

Dr. Gellin spoke about the recently released national vaccine plan and highlighted the importance of biomedical research in advancing our readiness for the threat of new strains of disease, pandemics, and biological warfare.

"Vaccines have changed our world by protecting us from serious infectious diseases. What were once common but serious infections are now vaccine preventable diseases, and our investments in science continue to be translated into products that save lives," Dr. Gellin said.

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