On August 4, 2009, the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, the Lasker Foundation and Research!America recognized Senators Tom Harkin, Edward Kennedy and Arlen Specter for their leadership for research and for highlighting the importance of a shared commitment to making research for health a high national priority.

The event took place at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, DC and the awards ceremony was emceed by Elias A. Zerhouni, MD, former National Institutes of Health director. 

Guests included distinguished scientists, Nobel laureates, members of Congress and other leaders in health research community, including Francis S. Collins, MD, PhD National Institutes of Health director, and Nobel Laureate Joseph Goldstein, MD.