Suffolk Reporter

On March 31, two biomedical experts from Stony Brook University, Lilianne Mujica-Parodi and Gábor Balázsi, actively participated in a significant event in Washington, D.C. They joined colleagues from across the United States at The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE)’s Capitol Hill Day. The purpose was to discuss the importance of federal funding for biomedical research with congressional offices.

Mujica-Parodi and Balázsi communicated with staff of the New York congressional delegation to stress the necessity for continued and increased federal investment in biomedical research. Their discussions focused on the importance of federal support not only for academic and clinical advancements but also for training and retaining leading talent within the country.

“Investing in biomedical research is an investment in the future of healthcare, science, and our nation’s global leadership in innovation,” stated Mujica-Parodi, an expert in neuroscience. “America’s ability to retain and attract talented scientists depends on the available funding and support, which ultimately drives progress in fields ranging from neurobiology to cancer treatment.”

The presentations during the discussions emphasized the role of federal funding in not just maintaining existing biomedical research, but also in extending efforts to address future challenges. They highlighted increasing international competition, notably from China, underscoring why the U.S. must prioritize funding to sustain its global leadership in healthcare innovation and scientific advancement.

“The U.S. remains a global leader in innovation, but this leadership is increasingly under threat from competing nations investing heavily in their own biomedical sectors,” noted Balázsi, who specializes in genetic biotechnology. “If we do not increase federal funding, we risk losing our competitive edge and the ability to develop the next generation of groundbreaking biomedical technologies.”

Further topics in the discussions included the immediate needs of institutions like Stony Brook University, where pioneering research leads to potential treatments for neurological disorders, cancer, and other critical conditions. The breakthroughs from such research necessitate ongoing federal support.

AIMBE’s Capitol Hill Day serves as a vital advocacy platform, granting researchers the opportunity to engage with national policymakers and lobby for legislation that supports biomedical progress. The meetings between Stony Brook University researchers and congressional staff highlighted the importance of continuous communication and federal investment to drive future medical discoveries.

Stony Brook’s Office of Federal Relations accompanied Mujica-Parodi and Balázsi during the AIMBE Hill visits, consistently working with the New York congressional delegation to advance Stony Brook University’s federal objectives.