When UF President Bernie Machen got the opportunity to explain UF’s use of federal stimulus money at the White House, he talked about staying healthy in old age.
The validity of federal stimulus dollars funding university research projects fueled the discussion at a roundtable meeting held by Vice President Joe Biden at the White House on Tuesday, and Machen was one of seven education officials in attendance.
He touted the six-year study by the university’s Institute on Aging on whether a physical activity regiment can prevent or delay physical disability in the elderly. The study is being partially funded with $29.5 million of stimulus funds — money Machen says is worth spending when considering the potential impact the results can have on lowering health care costs.
The study was one of several presented before Biden, who Machen said expressed support for university research.
“University research is the best investment we can make,” Machen said.
He said the attention the federal government is giving the issue provides a good basis for making a case to the state for more funding in the next legislative session.
