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The Stem Cell Podcast

Ep. 16: Stem Cell Scientist in Washington?

Apr 8, 2014
Dr. Raja Kittappa, a former stem cell scientist known for his research on Parkinson's disease, is now running for Congress in Pennsylvania. He discusses the financial challenges of political campaigns from a scientist's viewpoint, stressing the importance of funding for scientific advocacy. Raja shares his motivations rooted in personal experiences with health crises and emphasizes the need for greater representation of science in politics. The conversation also touches on innovative research in neuroscience and the influence of government on scientific progress.
01:12:08

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Dr. Raja Khatapa's transition from stem cell scientist to congressional candidate highlights the need for scientific representation in politics.
  • The podcast underscores the impact of budget cuts on NIH funding and the urgent need for increased investment in scientific research.

Deep dives

The Transition from Science to Politics

The podcast discusses Dr. Raj Khatapa's journey from being a prominent stem cell scientist to running for Congress. His desire to impact policy emerged as he witnessed the challenges faced by scientific research funding, particularly during government shutdowns that affected research labs and scientists. Dr. Khatapa highlights the disconnect between scientific innovation and political support, emphasizing the need for scientific minds in the legislature. His background in neurobiology, especially in understanding the development of dopamine neurons, positions him well to advocate for science-based policies.

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