MANHATTAN, KAN. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Ranking Member on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies, this week received The Science Coalition’s Champion of Science Award for 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.

“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.”

The award was presented to Sen. Moran by University of Kansas Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little at an event at the University’s Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics. The University of Kansas is a member of The Science Coalition.

Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Dr. Francis Collins delivered keynote remarks at the event. Sen. Moran hosted Dr. Collins in Kansas on April 14 to highlight biomedical and bioscience initiatives in the state.

Sen. Moran is a strong advocate for scientific research being conducted at universities across Kansas and across the country. As Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, Senator Moran has consistently supported the work being done by NIH and led efforts to boost biomedical research funding.