The Science Coalition Announces 2026 Champion of Science Winners
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Science Coalition (TSC) named five members of Congress as 2026 Champions of Science: U.S. Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01), Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), David Valadao (R-CA-22), and Rob Wittman (R-VA-01). The annual award highlights their sustained efforts to expand federally funded scientific research and to strengthen the United States' colleges and universities as engines of discovery, innovation, and economic growth.
This year’s honorees have advanced university research in fields of study that span cancer and biomedical science, agricultural productivity, national security, emerging technologies, STEM education, and workforce development. Their efforts on key committees and caucuses ensure that federal research dollars translate into real-world benefits for communities across the country.
“These five Champions of Science illustrate Congress’ strong bipartisan support for maintaining our nation’s leadership in research and development,” said Jacob Dowd, President of The Science Coalition. “Representatives Bacon, DelBene, Trahan, Valadao, and Wittman have each built a commendable record backing federally funded university research and TSC is thrilled to recognize their achievements this year.”
Representative Bacon, nominated by the University of Nebraska System, consistently supports national security, agriculture, and biomedical research initiatives and stresses how science helps keep communities safe and local economies strong.
“I am grateful to be named a Champion of Science by The Science Coalition and humbled by the University of Nebraska System’s nomination,” said Congressman Bacon. “Growing up on a farm and serving three decades in the Air Force showed me how much our safety, health, and prosperity depend on research, and I remain committed to supporting the university partnerships that drive this work forward. Science has made quality of life better for all.”
Representative DelBene, nominated jointly by the University of Washington and Washington State University, draws on her private-sector background in science and technology to advance policies that strengthen medical research and emerging technologies.
“I’m honored to be recognized as a Champion of Science by The Science Coalition,” said Congresswoman DelBene. “As someone who started their career in medical research, I know firsthand the importance of supporting scientific research and how it can unlock the innovations of tomorrow. Scientific research improves our communities, drives economic growth, and improves people’s lives. I will continue advocating for these important investments in Congress.”
Representative Trahan, nominated by Harvard University, Northeastern University, and Georgetown University, her alma mater, has focused on expanding medical research and strengthening STEM education and workforce pathways.
“Every breakthrough starts with a question someone was brave enough to ask. Answering those questions is exactly what federal investment in basic science makes possible – and why protecting it is our most important long-term bet on the future,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “I'm grateful to The Science Coalition for this recognition, and even more grateful to the researchers and scientists who make this work worth fighting for.”
Representative Valadao, nominated by the University of California System, has worked hard to sustain federal programs that deliver scientific solutions for farmers, improve water management, and strengthen rural communities.
“It's an honor to be recognized by The Science Coalition, and I appreciate the University of California for nominating me,” said Congressman Valadao. “Federal investments in science make a real difference in the Central Valley, from helping our farmers stay competitive to creating good-paying jobs and strengthening our local economy. The University of California and other California higher education institutions are important partners in our region and play a key role in advancing research that benefits California and the country, providing the workforce that drives this ecosystem.”
Representative Wittman, nominated jointly by Virginia Commonwealth University and Old Dominion University, has worked to connect basic research with national security and health priorities, informed by his public health background and his leadership on the House Armed Services and Natural Resources Committees.
“I am honored to be named a Champion of Science by The Science Coalition and deeply grateful to Virginia Commonwealth University and Old Dominion University for this nomination,” said Congressman Wittman. “After decades in the public health arena, I know the positive difference that basic science can make and I remain committed to advancing federal investments that empower researchers, strengthen the STEM workforce, and ensure the United States remains at the forefront of discovery.”
For more than 30 years, The Science Coalition has honored over 100 members of Congress as Champions of Science for their commitment to federal funding for fundamental research at U.S. colleges and universities. Champions are selected based on their voting records, bill sponsorships, public advocacy, and other activities that advance scientific discovery and innovation across a wide range of disciplines.
This year’s Champion of Science awards were designed and 3D printed under the direction of Dr. Denis Cormier, Earl W. Brinkman Professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology, a leading TSC member institution.
See here to learn more about TSC’s Champion of Science program.
###
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.