The Science Coalition (TSC) is proud to welcome Jake Dowd as our new President for 2026! We recently spoke with Jake about his vision for TSC’s future and how American colleges and universities can work together to strengthen federal investments in our nation’s research enterprise.
Jake Dowd
Director of Federal Relations
Washington State University
What excites you most about serving as TSC’s president in 2026?
I’m honored to step into this role at an important time for the science and research community. Universities are navigating significant challenges securing research funding and amplifying their tremendous value proposition, which makes TSC’s mission to champion sustained federal investments in basic science more essential than ever.
As president, I’m excited to elevate the collective voice of American colleges and universities and ensure policymakers understand why it’s so important to continue making robust and sustained federal investments for basic scientific research.
How do universities fit into America’s broader science and innovation ecosystem?
Universities are the backbone of America’s research and innovation enterprise. They are asked to find solutions to complex challenges, and these fundamental discoveries power new industries and uncover emerging technologies.
Sustained federal investments make these discoveries possible. They also help train and equip the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators who will continue advancing our nation’s leadership in science and technology.
Simply put, we can’t maintain America’s competitive edge if we don’t continue to invest in basic research at our colleges and universities.
How can higher education institutions demonstrate the value of federally funded research to policymakers and the public?
Universities have a powerful story to tell one that connects discovery to impact. By sharing clear, compelling examples of how federally funded research benefits communities with high-quality jobs and economic growth, we can help policymakers see the tangible return on investment.
It’s also important to highlight individual researchers whose work directly touches lives across the nation. Framing scientific research as a driver of innovation, a catalyst for American leadership, and a force for good can help ensure that it remains a shared, and bipartisan, national imperative.
What are your top priorities for TSC in the coming year?
My priorities will focus on continuing to strengthen TSC’s communications efforts by expanding our voice in policy arena, deepening our relationships within the higher education community, and finding unique ways to tell the story of federally funded basic scientific research. We will continue to honor the Champions of Science in Congress who consistently support federal research funding, and grow opportunities for collaboration across different sectors and industries to better connect the ways in which basic research on university campuses helps power our economy.