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Press Release: Congressman Bill Foster Receives Champion of Science Award

August 9, 2016

Chicago, IL – On Monday, the Science Coalition and leading research universities in Illinois and Wisconsin presented Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) with the 2016 Champion of Science Award.

The Science Coalition's Champion of Science Award recognizes members of Congress for their commitment to funding the basic scientific research that is essential to the nation's ability to address pressing issues in health, security, energy, and the environment. Congressman Foster joins a distinguished group of approximately 80 current and former members of Congress who have received this award since 1999.

"As the only PhD scientist in the United States Congress, it is a great honor to receive the Champion of Science Award," Foster said. "In Congress, I have fought to make sure we invest in the scientific research and training that is vital to our country's economic growth, public health, and national security. Scientific investment - whether through STEM education in schools or federal funding for scientific research - is a crucial priority for our country. If America wants to lead the world in the discoveries, innovation, and advancements to improve lives, it will be our commitment to science that drives us forward."

Foster was nominated by Northern Illinois University, Northwestern University, the University of Illinois, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He received the award before an audience of several hundred physicists during the International Conference on High Energy Physics in Chicago.