(Washington, DC) – House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Ranking Member Frank Lucas was recently named a 2022 Champion of Science by The Science Coalition (TSC), a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization of more than 50 of the nation’s leading public and private research institutions. The award recognizes members of Congress whose actions and votes consistently reflect their commitment to federally funded fundamental research.

“I am honored to have been awarded the Champion of Science Award by the Science Coalition," said Lucas. "As the Ranking Member on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee and as a former Chairman of the Agriculture Committee, I’ve made it my highest priority to advance American science through comprehensive, strategic, sustainable investments. Across industries, from satellite technology supporting American farmers to quantum information sciences driving a computing revolution, investments in basic research will drive American leadership in the next generation of innovation and sharpen the cutting edge of science and technology."

"A key engine of this innovation are research universities, like those who are members of The Science Coalition, who not only train the next generations of innovators but also conduct this groundbreaking basic research" Lucas continued. "Thank you to the Science Coalition for this recognition, and I look forward to continuing to prioritize American research to push the boundaries of discovery and maintain global competitiveness—to the benefit of all Americans.”

Ranking Member Lucas was nominated for the award by Penn State University and Washington State University, both members of TSC. As Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Rep. Lucas has made the advancement of research and development his personal mission, working across the aisle to increase federal investment in the U.S. scientific enterprise and grow our nation’s research workforce.

Joining a distinguished group of policymakers who have been named Champions of Science, Rep. Lucas was honored for sponsoring critical pieces of legislation to boost funding for science and innovation, including the Securing American Leadership in Science and Technology Act, the National Science Foundation for the Future Act, and the Department of Energy Science for the Future Act, as well as for his support for robust annual research appropriations.

“Representative Lucas is a true Champion of Science,” said Peter DeYoe, President of The Science Coalition. “Throughout his tenure in Congress, Rep. Lucas has worked tirelessly to advance the American scientific enterprise and secure robust, consistent federal funding for fundamental research—the urgency of which has only been reinforced the last few years. His dedication has also strengthened the partnership between universities and federal research agencies and continues to support the STEM talent that will lead the next generation of American scientific innovation. We are proud to have Rep. Lucas in our corner.”

For nearly 30 years, TSC has recognized 109 members of Congress with the “Champion of Science” Award for their commitment to secure federal funding for fundamental scientific research. Each champion is selected based on their voting records, bill sponsorships, letters of support, and other activities that furthered scientific discovery and innovation. Each awardee demonstrates an unwavering dedication to supporting research institutions and the advancement of fundamental scientific advancement across all disciplines.