The Science Coalition Names Gardner a ‘Champion of Science’

February 5, 2019

 

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) today announced that he has received the Champion of Science Award. The award – presented by The Science Coalition (TSC) – honors members of Congress whose actions and votes consistently reflect their commitment to fundamental science through funding investment for federal research agencies.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by The Science Coalition for my work to bolster science and research funding and support for our public research universities,” said Senator Gardner. “Over the past four years in the Senate, my goal has been to make science bipartisan again, and I’m proud we were able to accomplish this when we passed the landmark American Innovation and Competitiveness Act. Colorado is home to several world class research institutions, including the National Renewable Energy Lab and JILA, a joint venture between the University of Colorado and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. I look forward to continuing to work with Colorado researchers and scientists to advance their important work.”

“Thanks to the support of Senator Gardner, the investments being made in the American research enterprise will keep the United States at the forefront of scientific discovery for years to come,” said Heather Bené, President of The Science Coalition. “These investments are being put to good use by university researchers all over the country. We appreciate that congressional Champions like Senator Gardner understand that scientific advancement requires a commitment – year in and year out – to prioritizing federal research investment.”

Gardner was nominated for this award by the University of Colorado Boulder, a member of TSC. The Coalition is comprised of more than 50 of the nation’s leading public and private research institutions dedicated to highlighting the partnerships between the federal government and America’s research universities. Awardees were selected both for their support of these institutions and their tireless efforts to ensure fundamental scientific advancement across all disciplines.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Champion of Science Award. Since 1999, more than 90 members of Congress have been recognized for their efforts to secure federal funding for fundamental scientific research – through their voting records, bill sponsorships, letters of support, or other activities aimed at boosting scientific discovery.

Gardner’s record on science:

  • Gardner has long been recognized a leader in his party on science and federal research policy.
  • In December, Gardner was awarded the Presidential Citation, by the American Geophysical Union(AGU),  for his work on science policy.
  • He has fought for legislation reducing emissions through clean energy policies and technologies.
  • Gardner received the Consortium of Social Science Associations’ Distinguished Service Award.
  • He has been a leader on legislation to continue energy savings performance contracts that have resulted in less energy consumption and over $12 billion in savings over the past two decades for the federal government. 
  • He provided the keynote address at the annual ARPA-E convention, where he emphasized the importance of bipartisanship and common ground in science policy. 
  • He was an honorary speaker at the National Science Foundation’s annual dinner last year where Director Córdova recognized his and Sen. Peters’ work on the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act.