WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) has been named one of the 50 most influential people in science by Discover magazine. The article appears in Discover Magazine’s December “50 best brains in science” edition. Senator Mikulski is highlighted in its ‘Influentials’ category, joining Larry Page and Sergey Brin, cofounders of Google and Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, and 6 others, as being integral in shaping America’s science agenda, and moving it from “theory to solution.”
Calling Senator Mikulski “Washington’s science advocate,” the article goes on to say:
“When it comes to progress in science, funding from government is often the grease that we need most. That’s why so many scientists are glad to have Barbara Mikulski on their side.”
Charles Bennett, principal investigator for the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe added:
“Senator Mikulski knows that science and technology grow our economy and contribute to our national security. She’s at the forefront of enabling innovation. When it comes to science and technology, she really gets it.”
Senator Mikulski is Chairwoman of the Commerce, Justice and Science (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee which oversees funding for several key federal departments, agencies and programs, including the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA).
Throughout her time in the Senate, Senator Mikulski has worked for federal science programs through the National Institute of Health (NIH), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), NSF and NASA, including spearheading the bipartisan effort to double NIH’s budget from $13.6 billion in fiscal year 1998 to $27 billion in fiscal year 2003. Senator Mikulski was also the lead sponsor of the America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education and Science (COMPETES) Act, legislation to promote and strengthen America through investments in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and research.
“Our nation is in an amazing race for discovery and new knowledge, and a race to remain competitive. I will continue to fight for innovations that will create new ideas that lead to new breakthroughs, new products and new jobs,” Senator Mikulski said.
To read Discover Magazine’s article, visit http://discovermagazine.com/2008/dec/26-the-10-most-influential-people-in-science/
Source: Sen. Mikulski's office