Bayside Congresswoman Grace Meng Named 'Champion Of Science'

BAYSIDE, QUEENS — U.S. Rep. Grace Meng has been named a 2021 Champion of Science by The Science Coalition, a nonprofit organization of more than 50 of the country’s leading research universities.

Meng, a Democrat who represents Central and Northeast Queens in the U.S. House of Representatives, was among six members of Congress awarded the recognition thanks to their "unwavering commitment to advancing fundamental science research through their actions and votes to increase federal investment for federal research agencies," according to a news release.

Meng was nominated by Pace University, New York University and Stony Brook University.

This year's other five recipients are congressional representatives from Massachusetts, Colorado, California and Wisconsin.

“The past year has made it abundantly clear: long-term, predictable federal investment in fundamental research is critical to addressing our nation’s most pressing problems,” The Science Coalition President John Latini said in a statement. “Thanks to the tireless advocacy of these lawmakers, our institutions were able to leverage fundamental research to support their communities and pivot their projects to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in record time."

Since 1999, when The Science Coalition was founded, only about 100 members of Congress have received the honor.

The champions are chosen based on their voting records, bill sponsorships, letters of support and other activities related to scientific discovery and innovation.