Kind honored for research support, advocacy

Interim Chancellor David Ward and the Science Coalition have presented Congressman Ron Kind (D-Wis.) with its Champion of Science Award in recognition of his strong commitment to funding the basic research that keeps the United States and the state of Wisconsin at the forefront of scientific discovery and technological innovation. 

“Support for science is vital. New knowledge is the basis of our future economy, as well as for things we care deeply about, such as improved health care and medicine,” says Ward, who presented the award to Kind today at his Washington, D.C. office.  “Support from Congressman Kind and others is critical for us. It will help us succeed and deliver on the promise of modern science.”

Throughout his time in Congress, Kind has demonstrated his commitment to research and innovation in many different ways.  He has been an advocate for higher education and research in his home state of Wisconsin and across the nation. He was a strong supporter of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010.  As co-chair of the Taskforce on Innovation, Competitiveness and Tax Reform of the House New Democrat Coalition, he helped lead the development of principles for innovation and competitiveness that recognized the crucial role of funding for basic scientific research.

“Congressman Kind is a stalwart champion of scientific research and innovation.  He understands the important relationship between federal investments in education and research and America’s ability to create jobs, grow our economy and compete globally,” says Science Coalition President Tim Leshan of Northeastern University.

“It’s an honor to receive this award from the Science Coalition, a group that is doing great work ensuring that our country stays on the cutting edge of technological and scientific research,” says Congressman Kind. “I will continue to fight for policies that strengthen education and invest in research to ensure that America will always be an innovative leader in the global marketplace.”

The Science Coalition is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization of the nation’s leading public and private research universities. It is dedicated to sustaining strong federal funding of basic scientific research. UW–Madison is a member.