Award Recognizes Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI), and Congressman Joe Morelle (D-NY), for Their Support for Robust Federal Investments in Basic Scientific Research
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Science Coalition announced three members of Congress as 2025 Champions of Science: U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE)., U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), and U.S. Representative Joe Morelle (D-NY-25). The annual award celebrates their sustained leadership in advancing federally funded scientific research and their commitment to strengthening America’s academic research institutions.
Each awardee has played a decisive role in expanding opportunities for discovery and innovation across a wide array of disciplines — from agricultural science and health care to semiconductors, quantum computing, and advanced energy systems.
“These three Champions of Science underscore our nation’s longstanding, bipartisan support for strong federal investments in basic scientific research,” said Abigail Robbins, President of The Science Coalition. “Representatives Dingell and Morelle, and Senator Fischer, exemplify the commitment needed in Congress to sustain investments in science that power our economy, keep our nation safe, and improve health outcomes for the American people. We are proud to recognize their leadership.”
Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, nominated by the University of Michigan, has been a leading voice in advancing legislation such as the CHIPS and Science Act and the 21st Century Cures Act while serving on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
“Congresswoman Dingell’s unwavering support for research at the University of Michigan and beyond has been instrumental in driving scientific progress and innovation,” said Dr. Domenico Grasso, President of the University of Michigan.
Reflecting on the award, Rep. Dingell stated, “As a lifelong Michigander, I am inspired every day by the scientists, students, and innovators in our state who push boundaries and solve urgent challenges, and I will continue to advocate for robust federal investments in research and innovation on our college and university campuses.”
Congressman Joe Morelle, nominated by the University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology, has consistently championed federal investments in basic research during his service on the House Appropriations Committee.
“Congressman Morelle’s dedication to the research community has been transformative for RIT and the entire region,” said Dr. William H. Sanders, President of RIT
University of Rochester President Sarah C. Mangelsdorf added, “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.”
In accepting the award, Rep. Morelle said, “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.”
Senator Deb Fischer, nominated by the University of Nebraska, has been a strong advocate for agricultural research, water management, rural innovation, and STEM education.
“We are deeply grateful for Senator Fischer’s steadfast support of federally funded research at the University of Nebraska and across the country,” said NU President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “Her advocacy for agricultural research is helping to advance projects of national significance—including the new USDA-ARS National Center for Resilient and Regenerative Precision Agriculture, which is currently under construction on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Innovation Campus.”
“As a proud Nebraskan, I am committed to supporting policies that strengthen our state’s economy through agricultural innovation and research,” Sen. Fischer said. “As a member of key committees shaping science policy, I will continue to champion solutions that improve health outcomes for Nebraskans, strengthen our national security, and fuel the rural economy.”
For over 30 years, The Science Coalition has honored more than 100 members of Congress as Champions of Science for their commitment to federal funding for fundamental research at American colleges and universities. This year’s honorees embody how bipartisan leadership in Congress can accelerate discovery, expand our workforce, and power America’s global competitiveness through science.
This year's Champion of Science awards were innovatively designed and manufactured using 3D-printing technologies by Dr. Denis Cormier, Earl W. Brinkman Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the Rochester Institute of Technology, a prominent TSC member institution.
See here to learn more about TSC’s Champions of Science program.
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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.