Investment in Medical Research Key to Ohio's Economy Says Debra Lappin

About 400 people gathered at the recent Research!America research partners forum to support expanding medical research and science education in the state of Ohio, the Akron Beacon Journal reported in its story, "Science Is Shot in Arm, Experts Say."

"Here is a place we can't afford not to invest," said Debra Lappin of B&D Consulting and president of the Council for American Medical Innovation.

Lappin served on the panel of state and national experts on health care and education featured at the event, which took place at the Northeast Ohio Medical University.

Panelists emphasized the need for improved science education and increased medical research to help Ohio create jobs and improve residents' quality of life through medical advances, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. Investment in these fields will improve Ohio's economic future by helping the state to compete in the information economy.

Panelists agreed that a public relations effort is needed in Ohio to convince young children that they can make a difference in the world through science. As long as the country's support for funding medical research remains weak, the country's brightest minds may choose other career fields, the story reported.