WASHINGTON – Today, the University of California San Diego (UC San Diego) and The Science Coalition (TSC) will present U.S. Representative Scott Peters, D-Calif., with the Champion of Science award in recognition of his support for federal investment in fundamental scientific research being conducted at universities in California and across the country. UC San Diego officials, including Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Miroslav Krstic, will present the award to the Congressman at an event hosted by Biocom.
“San Diego research institutions are producing groundbreaking discoveries in medicine, technology, and more every day. Federal funding for this research keeps our nation at the forefront of innovation that will improve lives and create jobs across a wide spectrum of industries and skill levels,” Rep. Peters said. “The investment helps us maintain our competitive edge in San Diego and across the country by supporting our researchers, universities and federal research agencies.”
“Rep. Peters embodies what it means to be a champion of science. He has worked to increase federal funding, provide R&D tax credits and enhance ocean research funding support. He has long advocated that scientific research is key to San Diego and America staying innovative and globally competitive. We are grateful to have him in our corner,” says UC San Diego Executive Director of Government Research Relations Angela Phillips Diaz.
“This award is deserving of a tireless advocate who is devoted to long-term, robust funding of fundamental science – and Rep. Peters fits that bill,” said Steve Gerencser, interim president of TSC. “He understands that keeping America competitive globally requires strong support for the unique partnership between federal research agencies and America’s universities. Thanks to his work and his votes, the investments being made today in science will benefit San Diego and the rest of the country for years to come.”
The research and development industry in San Diego generates more than $14.4 billion in economic impact with one-third stemming from research institutes. Additionally, more than 100,000 San Diego jobs are born from or linked to scientific research and development.
The Science Coalition’s Champion of Science Award recognizes members of Congress whose actions and votes consistently reflect their support for fundamental scientific research. 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.