Federal Relations Director Jack Cline serving on The Science Coalition board of directors

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A University of Kansas administrator is helping lead an effort by higher education institutions to sustain the federal government’s investment in basic scientific research.

Jack Cline, director of federal relations, was recently named to the board of directors for The Science Coalition, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization of more than 50 of the nation’s leading public and private research universities, including KU.

“It's humbling to be nominated, then elected by my university federal relations colleagues to serve on the The Science Coalition Board of Directors — and as the board secretary,” Cline said.

He said the coalition's mission — to communicate the importance of federal research funding at science agencies before members of Congress — dovetails perfectly with KU's research priorities with the National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense and the National Science Foundation, among others.

“Serving on the board, I'll ensure KU continues its leadership position when federal research advocacy strategy is developed and implemented,” Cline said. “I'm looking forward to working with our Kansas congressional delegation — and the entire Congress, for that matter, to illuminate the vital importance of federal research and development to individuals and our economy." 

Cline’s election to this role with The Science Coalition speaks to KU’s reputation as a leading research university, said Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little.

“Scientific research is vital not only to better understanding the world around us but to driving economic growth,” she said. “The coalition’s work in support of research will help ensure that our university is able to continue making discoveries that increase understanding and create prosperity.”