Exploration and discovery are at the core of our mission. For many of us, they are the substance of our life’s work. This Saturday, I know many members of our University of Washington community will march in support of science and inquiry. I wanted to take this opportunity to reiterate the UW’s enduring and vocal support for scientific research.
As I wrote here in March, the proposed cuts to federal research funding would seriously harm our ability to produce evidence-based research that serves the public interest, which is and always will be at the heart of our University’s mission.
Fortunately, we have allies in our nation’s capital. Earlier this month, I met with the members of our federal legislative delegation in Washington, DC. I am happy to report that they clearly see the value of scholarship and scientific inquiry, as well as our institution’s immense public contributions. They understand the value of your work and how it improves lives, enriches communities, and advances both the economic prosperity and the security of our state, nation and world.
Collectively, our contributions to Washington and the world truly are impressive. From developing a vaccine for HPV to building an earthquake early warning system for the West Coast, the research and service the UW produces exemplify what it means to be a public research university. This work contributes to our innovation economy and supports evidence-based public policy, helping to make the case for science and scholarship every day.
As an institution we will continue to advocate fiercely for investments in science and scholarship, as those investments have long-lasting public benefits. I encourage you to join us in helping to tell the inspiring stories of your work. Demonstrating the value of research is vital to ensuring public support. If the society we serve understands the contributions of your work to a healthier and more prosperous world, policymakers won’t be far behind.