U.S. Senator Katie Britt Directly Secures $2 Million for Southern Research 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) recently directly secured $2 million for Southern Research Institute in theFiscal Year (FY) 2026 Labor, Health, and Human Services, Education, and Related Industries (LHHS) Appropriations Act. This funding will support critical laboratory infrastructure and equipment. In total, Senator Britt directly secured more than $28 million for Alabama in FY26 LHHS appropriations funding.

“I’m proud to secure $2 million in funding for Southern Research to expand its biotechnology research equipment and capabilities,” said Senator Britt. “As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I’m committed to ensuring taxpayer dollars are responsibly invested back into our communities, especially through initiatives that will strengthen our healthcare and research capabilities. This strategic investment will help equip researchers with the tools they need to advance innovation, improve health outcomes, and keep Alabama at the forefront of biomedical research.”

The $2 million secured will allow Southern Research to strengthen key preclinical research capabilities, including advanced imaging, chemistry, pathology, and bioanalytical sciences. It will position Southern Research Institute and the greater state of Alabama to play a leading role in biomedical innovation, national competitiveness, and will support our nation’s biosecurity and public health priorities.

“Senator Britt’s longstanding commitment to supporting life-changing and life-saving biomedical research is well documented,” said Southern Research Interim CEO Ray Watts, M.D. “Southern Research is grateful for this important funding as we continue to modernize our ecosystem to bring new therapies to patients faster.”  

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