Former Democratic Rhode Island Congressman Patrick Kennedy will begin co-teaching a seminar on policy and research funding for mental health and neuroscience Monday, the University announced yesterday. The course is a collaboration between the Program in Public Health and the Brown Institute for Brain Science, where Kennedy is a visiting fellow.
The course, PHP 1680J: "The Race to Inner Space: Conflating Science, Politics and Economics to Promote Brain Health," is open to 24 juniors, seniors and graduate students.
After eight terms in Congress, Kennedy founded One Mind for Research, which aims to streamline funding and information for brain research. Kennedy's father, the late Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy, died of brain cancer in 2009.
"Just as Patrick's uncle, former President John F. Kennedy, said he wanted to conquer space, Patrick really wants to conquer the brain," said Judy Bentkover, adjunct professor of health services, policy and practice and an instructor of the course.
As of Thursday night, no students had registered for the course on Banner.
— Jordan Hendricks
