Secretary Thompson Travels to Iceland To Formalize Research Agreement

September 16, 2002 - HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson returned to Washington, D.C., yesterday following a weekend trip to Iceland where he discussed opportunities to strengthen ongoing medical research partnerships with Icelandic Minister of Health and Social Security Jón Kristjánsson. The visit culminated with the signing of a Letter of Intent to formalize the cooperation between the two countries.

The arrangement will enhance research collaboration between the HHS/National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Iceland Ministry of Health in the fields of biomedical and behavioral science research. Specific research areas include cancer, cardiovascular and infectious diseases, aging, mental health, alcoholism, women's health, Arctic research, and global health disparities.

"The Bush administration is committed to building strong partnerships to engage in cutting-edge medical research," Secretary Thompson said. "This agreement underscores our dedication to improving global health, and presents further opportunities for the international exchange of new ideas, information and medical advances. We are delighted with the strong partnerships U.S. scientists have with Icelandic counterparts, and believe that by joining forces we can more effectively tackle health challenges for both our countries, as well as the global population."

The President's fiscal year 2003 budget request for NIH is $27.3 billion, doubling the research institution's 1998 funding level, and increasing the fiscal year 2002 budget by 16 percent.

The Letter of Intent builds upon projects already in place, including a $19.4 million research contract between NIH's National Institute on Aging and the Icelandic Heart Association for a seven-year study that aims to provide information about the genetic basis of diseases that emerge in old age.

In addition, the Letter of Intent promotes opportunities for workshops, joint research projects and the exchange of scientists, information and materials.

Last revised: September 26, 2007