National Institute of Nursing Research kicks off 25th anniversary with Bringing Science to Life scientific symposium

Monday, September 20, 2010 Contact:
NINR Office of Science Policy and Public Liaison
301-496-0207 Media Availability

National Institute of Nursing Research kicks off 25th anniversary with Bringing Science to Life scientific symposium
Speakers include top nursing and biobehavioral science researchers, notable scientists, and health care leaders

What: The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will begin a year-long commemoration of nursing science’s contributions to solving some of America’s most important health challenges at the “Bringing Science to Life” scientific symposium.

The principal federal agency for the funding of nursing research, NINR was founded on the belief that nursing science could contribute in new and distinctive ways to the health care sciences and improve the health of our nation’s people. Reaching its 25th Anniversary is not simply a milestone for the Institute – it signifies the progress and achievement of nursing science.

Bringing Science to Life will highlight advancements in the field of nursing science and exemplify NINR’s crucial role in the expansion of nursing research over the past 25 years. NINR Director Patricia A. Grady, R.N., Ph.D., will offer a welcome address. Mary Woolley, president of Research!America, will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies. The keynote speakers for the morning session are:

Keynote Speakers:

Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., NIH Director
Gillian Gill, Ph.D., author of Nightingales: The Extraordinary Upbringing and Curious Life of Miss Florence Nightingale, a biography about four members of Florence Nightingale's family
Alan I. Leshner, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, American Association for the Advancement of Science and executive publisher of the journal, Science
Mr. William Novelli, distinguished professor with the Georgetown University McDonough School of Business; former Chief Executive Officer of AARP
In addition, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will provide a video message.

The afternoon session will include scientific presentations by several NINR-supported researchers and a panel discussion. Scientific speakers include:

Scientific Speakers:

Ann Cashion, R.N., Ph.D., University of Tennessee Health Science Center, panel moderator
David Dinges, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Susan G. Dorsey, R.N., Ph.D., University of Maryland School of Nursing
Jillian Inouye, A.P.R.N., Ph.D., University of Hawaii — Manoa School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene
Bernadette Melnyk, R.N., Ph.D., Arizona State University College of Nursing and Health Innovation
The symposium will conclude with a poster session, in which over 80 posters by doctoral students and nurse scientists from universities and research institutions across the country will be on display.

When: Thursday, September 30, 2010; 8:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. EST


Where: Ruth L. Kirschstein Auditorium, Natcher Building (Building 45) NIH campus, Bethesda, Maryland. Information about visiting the NIH campus is available at: http://www.nih.gov/about/visitor/index.htm
Spokesperson: Patricia A. Grady, R.N., Ph.D., Director, NINR


How: The program is open to the public and free of charge, but registration is required. More information about the symposium, as well as a link to the free on-line registration, is available at: www.ninr.nih.gov/25years.



NINR supports basic and clinical research that develops the knowledge to build the scientific foundation for clinical practice, prevent disease and disability, manage and eliminate symptoms caused by illness, and enhance end-of-life and palliative care. For more information about NINR, visit the website at www.ninr.nih.gov.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) — The Nation's Medical Research Agency — includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.