Promoting Excellence in Science Education
During the 1999/2000 school year WABRE served approximately 26,000 Wisconsin pre-college students through the education programs and provided curricular materials, training, and additional resources to nearly 500 teachers throughout Wisconsin. The Association sponsored workshops and distributed materials at four major teacher meetings in 2000, including the National Science Teacher’s Regional Conference in Milwaukee and, in conjunction with the State Network of Biomedical Research Organizations, at the NSTA National Conference in Orlando.
Thanks to a grant from the New York based Klingenstein Foundation, WABRE reached more students and teachers in Wisconsin than ever before. Through teacher meetings, workshops, classroom visits, collaborative projects with scientific and educational organizations, and via the teacher network BRAIN (the Biomedical Research and Animal Information Network), WABRE distributed over 3000 pounds of classroom materials in Wisconsin in 2000.
Representing the Bioscience Research Community
WABRE represents the community of bioscience professionals, institutions and corporations in Wisconsin to the public, in the media, and before public policy leaders. WABRE is actively engaged in promoting public investment in biomedical research, development and education; fighting unnecessary regulation; and presenting pro-science viewpoints on behalf of Wisconsin’s biomedical professionals.
In 2000 WABRE continued it’s work on behalf of science funding in Congress through a series of meetings organized in Washington, DC for elected officials. WABRE’s work on bioscience and economics was recognized nationally when the Joint Economic Committee of Congress cited WABRE’s groundbreaking reports in their report on the NIH to Congress.
WABRE submitted testimony to several state and federal hearings on issues related to research and education. Working with the State Department of Natural Resources, WABRE was able to secure language favorable to research and education institutions in rules governing the use of native reptiles and amphibians. WABRE was also successful working with state legislators to pass amendments to the state unauthorized release bill that allows scientists and institutions to seek compensation for the loss of research animals criminally released or stolen.
Educating the Public on the Role Bioscience Plays in Our Lives
WABRE members recognize that an informed public is necessary to protecting and extending our nation’s global lead in bioscience, medicine, and public health. WABRE is committed to public education designed to promote understanding of bioscience.
For the fourth year in a row, WABRE served as a state liaison for Research!America’s Project 435 Campaign. The 435 Campaign is designed to build public support for medical research in all of the 435 Congressional Districts. The Research!Wisconsin Campaign reached approximately 25,000 Wisconsin citizens this year through media, advertisements, exhibition, and public forums. The Campaigns have been critical to public and Congressional support for doubling the NIH budget. That support helped generate another significant increase in the NIH budget for FY 2001.