UAB Gains National Recognition with Support from Senator Katie Britt

Thanks to the efforts of U.S. Senator Katie Britt from Montgomery, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is steadily increasing its visibility on a national level.

UAB, recognized as an R1 Research Intensive University and a leading academic medical center, holds the title of Alabama’s largest employer, boasting over 35,000 staff members.

During a Senate Budget Committee hearing on April 30 focused on biomedical research, Senator Britt highlighted America’s role in innovation by introducing Dr. Barry Sreckman, director of UAB’s O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, who discussed the university’s life-saving initiatives.

Dr. Sreckman commented, “Senator Britt’s remarks and her ongoing advocacy for federal research funding show her deep understanding of our mission and the crucial role agencies like ours play in fighting and curing serious illnesses.”

He added, “Urgently needed breakthroughs occur every day. We truly appreciate the efforts to sustain that progress and to foster an understanding of the vital relationship between federal support and UAB’s research endeavors.”

UAB was also mentioned by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during a Senate hearing on May 14. He referred to UAB as a prime example of a university efficiently managing federal research funds.

Kennedy emphasized UAB’s pressing need for research funding from the federal government, noting, “They are conducting advanced research and require funding that addresses indirect costs.”

During the same hearing, Senator Britt expressed her gratitude for Kennedy’s acknowledgment of UAB, and they continued to address the importance of NIH research funding in their ongoing discussions.

Kennedy assured that their dialogue would persist, acknowledging Britt’s significant influence on the matters discussed.

He stated, “From our conversations, we’ve remained mindful of your concerns, particularly regarding state schools that aren’t providing substantial contributions. There’s a critical need for lab support…essential for conducting premier science, and I want to ensure that’s funded.”