Human papillomavirus vaccines in focus at Rice’s Baker Institute Dec. 3

MEDIA ADVISORY

David Ruth
david@rice.edu
713-348-6327

Jeff Falk
jfalk@rice.edu
713-348-6775

Human papillomavirus vaccines in focus at Rice’s Baker Institute Dec. 3

HOUSTON – (Nov. 24, 2014) – Leaders from academia, government and the media will gather at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy Dec. 3 to discuss the human papillomavirus (HPV), its impact on cancer and other diseases, and opportunities and challenges associated with prevention through vaccination programs. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Panelists: Dr. Douglas Lowy, chief of the Laboratory of Cellular Oncology at the National Cancer Institute’s Center for Cancer Research; Dr. Lois Ramondetta, professor at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and chief of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital, Harris County Hospital District; and Texas state Rep. and physician Dr. John Zerwas, R-Simonton.   

Greta Van Susteren, host of Fox News Channel’s “On the Record w/Greta Van Susteren” show, will serve as moderator.

Neal Lane, Rice’s Malcolm Gillis University Professor, a senior fellow in science and technology policy at the Baker Institute and a professor of physics and astronomy, will give welcoming remarks.

Dr. Ronald DePinho, president of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, will provide introductory remarks.

What: A panel discussion titled “HPV Vaccination: A Public Health Opportunity, a Public Responsibility.”

When: Wednesday, Dec. 3, 7:30-9 a.m. Breakfast will be served at 7:30 and the discussion will begin at 8.

Where: Rice University, James A. Baker III Hall, Doré Commons, 6100 Main St.

In the United States, each year 79 million men and women are infected by HPV, which accounts for more than 4,000 deaths from cervical cancer, according to event organizers. Following the development of the first HPV vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention set a goal to get 80 percent of female adolescents vaccinated. Despite the vaccine’s demonstrated efficacy, vaccination rates have only reached 38 percent nationally and 32 percent in Texas, organizers said.

This panel discussion is the sixth event in the Medicine, Research and Society Policy Issues Series, a joint project with the Baker Institute’s Science and Technology Policy Program and Health Policy Forum and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

For a recent Baker Institute policy brief on HPV and Texas, “Human Papillomavirus Vaccine: A Public Health Opportunity for Texas,” see http://bakerinstitute.org/research/human-papillomavirus-vaccine-public-health-opportunity-texas.

Members of the news media who want to attend should RSVP to Jeff Falk, associate director of national media relations at Rice, at jfalk@rice.edu or 713-348-6775.

The public must register to attend this event at http://bakerinstitute.org/events/register/1669/?submit=RSVP.

For a map of Rice University’s campus with parking information, go to www.rice.edu/maps.

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Founded in 1993, Rice University’s Baker Institute ranks among the top 15 university-affiliated think tanks in the world. As a premier nonpartisan think tank, the institute conducts research on domestic and foreign policy issues with the goal of bridging the gap between the theory and practice of public policy. The institute’s strong track record of achievement reflects the work of its endowed fellows, Rice University faculty scholars and staff, coupled with its outreach to the Rice student body through fellow-taught classes — including a public policy course — and student leadership and internship programs. Learn more about the institute at www.bakerinstitute.org or on the institute’s blog, http://blogs.chron.com/bakerblog.