Award Highlights Representative Morelle’s Strong Support for Federal Investments in Basic Scientific Research at American Colleges and Universities
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Science Coalition announced U.S. Representative Joe Morelle (D-NY-25) as a 2025 Champion of Science, highlighting his advocacy for robust and sustained federal funding for fundamental scientific research at higher education institutions in New York State and across America.
Nominated by two TSC members – the University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology – Congressman Morelle has consistently distinguished himself as a tireless advocate for expanding federal investment in basic scientific research and STEM workforce development. Serving on the House Appropriations Committee, he plays a pivotal role in securing resources for basic scientific research via key federal agencies, including the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and Department of Energy. Additionally, he launched and co-chairs the bipartisan Optics and Photonics Caucus to better support these critical enabling technologies.
Representative Morelle has endorsed a wide range of science-focused legislation, including the Innovation Centers Acceleration Act, Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act, the Scientific Integrity Act, and the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act. He also works to expand STEM education opportunities for American students and to promote U.S. leadership in biomedical and fusion research, along with modern technologies, such as lasers, quantum computing, and advanced energy systems.
“Congressman Morelle’s dedication to the research community has been transformative for RIT and the entire region,” said Dr. William H. Sanders, President of the Rochester Institute of Technology. “His leadership in the development of the CHIPS and Science Act, along with other initiatives, helps America maintain its strong position in science and technology. We are grateful for his partnership and proud to support his recognition as a Champion of Science.”
Sarah C. Mangelsdorf, President of the University of Rochester, added, “Rep. Joe Morelle is a steadfast leader in advancing our university’s research capabilities and discoveries. Through his relentless dedication to pursuing government funding on our behalf, as well as his genuine enthusiasm for so many of our scientific endeavors, his advocacy has not only strengthened the research enterprise at institutions like ours, but also empowered our faculty and researchers to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time. I deeply appreciate his commitment to promoting discovery, collaboration, and scientific progress and congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition.”
“I am grateful to the University of Rochester and RIT for this nomination and honored to be named a Champion of Science by The Science Coalition,” said Congressman Morelle. “I take great pride in supporting the groundbreaking scientific research happening in New York and across the country. Science is the engine of economic, medical, and societal progress, and I remain committed to advancing policies that keep America at the forefront of discovery and innovation.”
“Representative Morelle exemplifies what it means to be a Champion of Science. His leadership in areas such as quantum computing and advanced energy are helping shape a future defined by scientific breakthroughs and technological progress,” said Abigail Robbins, President of The Science Coalition. “The Science Coalition is proud to recognize his outstanding contributions to our nation’s research enterprise.”
See here to learn more about TSC’s Champions of Science program.
This year's Champion of Science awards were innovatively designed and manufactured using 3D-printing technologies led by Dr. Denis Cormier, Earl W. Brinkman Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the Rochester Institute of Technology, a prominent TSC member institution.
About The Science Coalition (TSC)
The Science Coalition is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization comprised 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 to stimulate the economy, spur innovation, and drive America’s global competitiveness. Learn more at www.sciencecoalition.org.
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