The ISS National Lab Announces Gift From the Institute for Collaboration in Health

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL. (July 22, 2013) – The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (the ISS National Lab), the nonprofit organization promoting and managing research onboard the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory, today announced receipt of a $50,000 gift from the Institute for Collaboration in Health.

The Institute for Collaboration in Health (ICH) is a Texas nonprofit corporation, created and incorporated in 2012. ICH’s mission is to seek out, encourage and support (both through grant making and in-kind expertise) innovative, collaborative projects that improve healthcare for all people.

This multi-year gift commitment consists of an annual cash gift to support the the ISS National Lab mission, pro bono consulting work focused on building partnerships in the Houston metropolitan area, and an award of two Finger Fellowships for Sustainable Health, given through a partnership between ICH and the Abramson Center for the Future of Health. These fellowships will be used to recruit talented undergraduate or graduate students dedicated to projects jointly supporting the the ISS National Lab and ICH missions.

“The Institute for Collaboration in Health is pleased to partner with the ISS National Lab in support of its mission to maximize the value of the ISS National Laboratory, particularly research conducted in microgravity that has direct application in the health and life sciences,” said ICH Chief Executive Officer Clifford C. Dacso, M.D. “We look at this commitment as not simply a gift, but the beginning of a long and productive partnership between ICH and the ISS National Lab.”

“Today’s announcement demonstrates a prime example in the efforts the ISS National Lab has made to become a self-sustaining organization,” said the ISS National Lab Interim Executive Director Jim Royston. “Through this partnership with ICH, not only will the ISS National Lab receive funding furthering our mission to utilize the National Laboratory, but we will strengthen ties in a demographic rich with aerospace history, innovative technology and healthcare research.”

For additional information on how to become a member of the ISS National Lab, visit: issnationallab.org/support/support.aspx

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About the ISS National Lab: The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (the ISS National Lab) was selected by NASA in July 2011 to maximize use of the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory through 2020. the ISS National Lab is dedicated to supporting and accelerating innovations and new discoveries that will enhance the health and wellbeing of people and our planet. The the ISS National Lab goal is to bring the magic of space down to earth. For more information, visit issnationallab.org.

About the ISS National Laboratory: In 2005, Congress designated the U.S. portion of the International Space Station as the nation’s newest national laboratory to maximize its use for improving life on Earth, promoting collaboration among diverse users and advancing STEM education. This unique laboratory environment is available for use by other U.S. government agencies and by academic and private institutions, providing access to the permanent microgravity setting, vantage point in low earth orbit and varied environments of space. The ISS National Laboratory Office at NASA’s Johnson Space Center currently facilitates research initiatives on board the station’s National Lab, but management of America’s only in-orbit laboratory is transitioning to the ISS National Lab.

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