[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 6785]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       SCRIPPS FLORIDA INSTITUTE

  Mr. NELSON. Mr. President, I rise to recognize an important meeting 
taking place this week at the Scripps Research Institute in my home 
State of Florida that coincides with Older Americans Month. Leaders in 
the field of aging and medical research are gathering at this 
internationally renowned research facility to discuss their latest 
research at a symposium, the first of its kind, entitled, ``Therapeutic 
Approaches for Extending Healthspan: The Next 10 Years.''
  Headquartered in California, the Scripps Institute has long been 
recognized as a leader in biomedical sciences. Establishing an 
additional Scripps research facility in Florida in 2009 represents an 
extension of this tradition of world-class research excellence to our 
State. Scripps Florida is working on finding answers to some of the 
most critical biomedical questions that confront us today through six 
academic departments targeting the areas of cancer biology, chemistry, 
infectious diseases, molecular therapeutics, neuroscience, and the 
relationship between metabolism and aging. Hopefully, this symposium 
will lead to a series of gatherings where experts can forge 
collaborative partnerships and work toward improving the quality of 
life for aging adults.
  Over the past decade, Scripps has advanced existing knowledge on 
aging-related diseases such as blindness, atherosclerosis, deafness, 
and amyloid diseases that cause Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and 
Huntington's Diseases, among others. This forum will focus on novel 
research in the field of aging and establish a path for research into 
the next decade. Though the field shows enormous promise for the 
future, barriers still exist in translating research into clinical 
applications. Experts participating in this symposium will discuss how 
to overcome these challenges to provide meaningful medical solutions 
for our aging Nation.
  As chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, I am aware of 
the daily challenges faced by many older Americans. Like the roundtable 
hosted by the Aging Committee last October to discuss the state of 
aging research, I believe these opportunities to bring our Nation's 
best scientists, physicians, and researchers together are essential if 
we are going to conquer aging-related diseases such as Alzheimer's and 
dementia. As such, we must continue to support research that drives 
innovation, advances current knowledge, and encourages collaboration 
among our Nation's greatest thinkers.
  As the number of older Americans continues to grow, we must support 
research efforts that provide paths to treatment or prevention so our 
Nation's seniors can enjoy living out their golden years with dignity.

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