CSIS Seminar

Falling Out of Love with Science

Abstract

In the halls of Congress there is widespread agreement about the role of R&D in the success of the America’s most innovative corporations. However, too often lawmakers view government models of discovery, from NASA to public university research labs, as obsolete and costly superstructures in today’s .com marketplace. What happened to the case for public exploration and discovery and why shouldn’t the private sector be trusted to find the cure for Grandma’s dementia or Johnny’s brain tumor? Long-time Washington political insider, former lobbyist, Administration appointee, and AIMBE’s Executive Director, Milan Yager, will reveal the hidden truth about why America is falling out of love with science and biomedical discovery. This presentation will highlight innovations and achievements made possible from past federal investments in basic research; such as the internet, cell phones, vaccines, and mapping the human genome. Today, Congress seems less interested in past accomplishments as they assume new priorities to balance the budget, reduce government, and free the private sector to assume long-standing government responsibilities for innovation and discovery. How did Congress make spending decisions to permit federal R&D spending to be flat for over a decade? Why isn’t the public concerned about declining investments for medical research? Discover practical steps for making a winning case for federal funding for medical and biological research. Learn how engineers can successfully discuss their research with a Member of Congress. Find out how to brand your research and the cure it supports in providing the pixie dust for returning the spark for America’s passion for research. Arming yourself with the strategies for the political warfare in the case for innovation is more than just changing public policy; it can provide the key to changing the future landscape of new biomedical materials, products or procedures. Engagement might just save your lab and future career. Attendees will get insight into putting passion back into American’s love affairs with biomedical research and innovation.

Speaker Bio

Dr. Milan Yager is a long-time Washington lobbyist and association executive who has over 30 years of senior government and public affairs experience in the public and private sectors. His background includes senior government position in the Administration and Congress, as well as private sector experience with national trade associations and his own business-consulting firm. He is currently the Executive Director of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, an honorific society of the most accomplished innovators in the fields of medical and biological engineering. Previously, he served as an Administration political appointee to a regulatory agency, held senior lobbyist positions for two national trade associations, testified before Congress, was Chief of Staff to a Member of Congress, a candidate for public office, and has participated in congressional and presidential campaigns. Dr. Yager is a graduate of the University of Iowa and has a Masters in Public Administration from The American University in Washington,D.C.