Alexandria, Va. – The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) is presenting an honorary membership to Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa). Harkin will be recognized at the AADR/Research!America Advocacy Day, March 2, 2010, in Washington, DC.
Harkin is being recognized for his commitment to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). He remains one of the Senate's most staunch champions of biomedical research. Along with his colleague Senator Arlen Specter (also an AADR honorary member), Harkin led the effort to double the NIH budget from 1999-2003. Additionally, his leadership during the crafting of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act helped secure a much-needed $10.4 billion for NIH, which was quickly utilized by the scientific community all across the country.
While a tireless supporter of the NIH, Senator Harking has also been supportive of the NIDCR and the importance of oral health research conducted at the nation's dental institutions.
Aside from his duties as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Harkin was also appointed to replace the late-Senator Ted Kennedy as Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Subcommittee.
"AADR is pleased to present Senator Tom Harkin with an honorary membership," said AADR President Grayson "Bill" Marshall. "Senator Harkin's commitment to the scientific community has been beneficial to AADR and its members. He is very deserving of this honor and we are excited to welcome him to the Association as an honorary member."
AADR Honorary Membership is decided by the three most recent AADR past presidents and given to a person who has made significant contributions to and/or supports dental research. AADR is proud to recognize Senator Harkin's ardent support for NIH and NIDCR, as well as his commitment to improving the quality of life for Americans through biomedical research.
About the American Association for Dental Research
The American Association for Dental Research (AADR), headquartered in Alexandria, Va., is a nonprofit organization with nearly 4,000 members in the United States. Its mission is: (1) to advance research and increase knowledge for the improvement of oral health; (2) to support and represent the oral health research community; and (3) to facilitate the communication and application of research findings. AADR is the largest Division of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR).
To learn more about the AADR, visit www.aadronline.org.