Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS)
April 14, 2014
The Science Coalition today presented Senator Jerry Moran with its Champion of Science Award in recognition of his strong commitment to funding the basic research that keeps the United States and the state of Kansas at the forefront of scientific and medical discovery and technological innovation.
The award was presented to Senator Moran by University of Kansas Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little at an event at the University’s Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics. Dr. Francis Collins, Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) delivered keynote remarks at the event. The University of Kansas is a member of The Science Coalition. Sen. Moran is hosting Dr. Collins in Kansas on April 14 to highlight biomedical and bioscience initiatives in the state.
“Senator Moran understands the importance of federal investment in research and development, and he has been a strong advocate for the value of university research and the benefits it has for science and the economy,” Chancellor Gray-Little said. “He is absolutely deserving of this award, and we’re honored to have had the opportunity to present it to him here at the University of Kansas.”
Senator Moran is a strong advocate for the scientific research being conducted at the University of Kansas, at universities across the state, and across the country. He is quick to speak out – in Congress, in the news media and in the community – about the value of university research and the direct impact it has on science and the national economy. As Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and Education, Senator Moran has consistently supported the work being done by NIH and led efforts to boost biomedical research funding. He has a similarly strong record of support for agricultural research and is a member of numerous disease and health-related caucuses in the Congress.
“It is an honor to be considered a ‘Champion of Science’ because I know by investing in research, we are investing in our future,” Sen. Moran said. “Given the vast amount of progress made over the last century and the great potential current research holds, now is not the time for our nation to waiver on its commitment to advancing scientific research. This support for scientific research benefits our children and our country for generations to come by saving lives, improving health, growing the economy, reducing health care costs, and strengthening America’s role as a global leader in innovation.”
“Senator Moran advocates for strong, consistent support of research because it is essential to saving and improving lives, growing our economy, reducing costs, and maintaining America’s role as a global leader in innovation, development and entrepreneurship,” said Jon Pyatt, president of The Science Coalition. “Senator Moran epitomizes a Champion of Science and we are honored to present him with this award.”
The Science Coalition’s Champion of Science Award recognizes members of Congress whose actions and votes consistently reflect their belief that basic scientific research, conducted at universities and national labs across the country, is essential to the nation’s ability to address pressing issues in health, security, energy and the environment, and additionally, that a strong federally supported basic research enterprise drives innovation that fuels the U.S. economy. Senator Moran joins a distinguished group of more than 60 current and former members of Congress who have received this award since 1999.
