WASHINGTON – The Science Coalition (TSC) today announced 11 recipients of this year’s Champion of Science Award. The award honors members of Congress whose actions and votes consistently reflect their commitment to fundamental science through funding investment for federal research agencies.

This year’s awardees are bipartisan, bicameral, and include:

  • U.S. Senator Cory Gardner, R-Colo.
  • U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska
  • U.S. Senator Jack Reed, D-R.I.
  • U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H.
  • U.S. Representative G.K. Butterfield, D-N.C.
  • U.S. Representative Tom Cole, R-Okla.
  • U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas
  • U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, D-N.J.
  • U.S. Representative Scott Peters, D-Calif.
  • U.S. Representative Mike Simpson, R-Idaho
  • U.S. Representative Fred Upton, R-Mich.

“This distinguished group of lawmakers have worked tirelessly to strengthen our country’s commitment to robust, sustained funding of fundamental science,” said Heather Bené, President of The Science Coalition. “Thanks to the support of these champions, the investments being made in the American research enterprise will keep the United States at the forefront of scientific discovery for years to come.”

The Science Coalition is comprised of more than 50 of the nation’s leading public and private research institutions dedicated to highlighting the partnerships between the federal government and America’s research universities. Awardees were selected both for their support of these institutions and their tireless efforts to ensure fundamental scientific advancement across all disciplines.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Champion of Science Award. Since 1999, more than 90 members of Congress have been recognized for their efforts to secure federal funding for fundamental scientific research — through their voting records, bill sponsorships, letters of support, or other activities aimed at boosting scientific discovery.

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About The Science Coalition

Established in 1994, The Science Coalition is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization of more than 50 of the nation’s leading public and private research universities. It is dedicated to sustaining the federal government’s investment in basic scientific research as a means to stimulate the economy, spur innovation, and drive America’s global competitiveness.