DeFazio Secures $6 Million For Research At Oregon Universities

$3 Million for UofO Brain, Biology and Machine Initiative

$3 Million for ONAMI Nanotechnology Research

June 08, 2005

Press Release | Contact: Kristie Greco (202) 225-6416

WASHINGTON, DC— U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Springfield) today announced that he helped secure funding for research at Oregon’s universities under the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2006. The legislation approved by the House of Representatives today included $3 million for the Brain, Biology and Machine Initiative at the University of Oregon and $3 million for nanoscience and microtechnology research Oregon’s research universities.

The legislation included $3 million to continue research under the Brain, Biology and Machine Initiative at the University of Oregon. The program addresses fundamental questions about how humans, think, learn and create including questions about the range of brain processes that give rise to human cognition and the biological foundations of neurological disorders. Advances in cognitive neuroscience are helping to optimize the training and performance of military personnel, including the ability to function in stressful and complex environments.

The funding in this bill would add to the over $13 million DeFazio has secured to date, for the Brain, Biology and Machine Initiative.

"The University of Oregon has distinguished itself as a renowned research institution," said DeFazio. "The Brain, Biology and Machine Initiative continues in that distinguished tradition."

Also included in the legislation was $1 million for the ONAMI Safer Nanomaterials and Nanomanufacturing Initiative and $2 million for the ONAMI Miniature Tactical Energy Systems Development Initiative. The entire Oregon delegation worked closely together to secure this vital funding.

The Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute (ONAMI) is a collaboration between government, industry and higher education, and is located on the campuses of Oregon’s major research universities: Oregon State University, Portland State University and the University of Oregon. It builds upon already established work in nanoscale research and microtechnology-based energy, chemical and biological systems. ONAMI’s Safer Nanomaterials and Nanomanufacturing Initiative will develop materials and manufacturing methods that simultaneously meet the military's need for high performance materials, protect human health, and minimize harm to the environment. ONAMI's Miniature Tactical Energy Systems Development Initiative has a wide range of military applications including development of portable power systems for use by military personnel in the field for water purification and battery power.

The legislation must now be approved by the Senate.

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Print Note: This page is excerpted from the web site of U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio, Fourth District, Oregon. http://www.house.gov/defazio/. (Bold emphasis added)