Congressman has secured nearly $2 million in federal grants since ’06 for The Hormel Institute
The Hormel Institute honored U.S. Rep. Tim Walz on Aug. 11 for being a “Hero of Cancer Research

AUSTIN, Minn. – Wednesday, Aug. 11 – U.S. Rep. Tim Walz today viewed cancer-fighting tools he secured through federal funding during a tour showcasing state-of-the-art research instruments and technology, including a cell sorter and robotics, at The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota-Mayo Clinic.
Following the tour, The Hormel Institute presented Rep. Walz with a plaque honoring him as a “Hero of Cancer Research” for his work in securing nearly $2 million in federal technology grants for the Institute since 2006, when he became Minnesota’s 1st District Congressman.
Walz introduced the Health and Human Services bills through the U.S. House of Representatives, and they were passed with support of Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar on the U.S. Senate side.
Dr. Ann Bode, Associate Director and Research Professor at The Hormel Institute, presented Walz with the plaque at the conclusion of the Congressman’s hour-long visit to the world-renowned medical research facility in Austin.
Federal funds have been critical to The Hormel Institute’s groundbreaking cancer research, said Dr. Zigang Dong, Executive Director of The Hormel Institute.
“These grants have provided cutting-edge instruments and new technologies, allowing The Hormel Institute to accelerate cancer research progress, provide biotechnology jobs and strengthen the bioscience industry in Austin and Southern Minnesota,” Dr. Dong said.
Rep. Walz says he is proud to be a partner in supporting The Hormel Institute’s pioneering cancer research.
“This is exactly the kind of project I will tirelessly advocate for in Congress because it makes sense morally and fiscally,” Walz said. “The Hormel Institute brings new, important jobs to rural Minnesota that compete with no others. Their research efforts are aimed at benefitting health worldwide.”
About 20 invited community leaders from the Austin area attended Wednesday’s event and joined Walz on the tour, which showcased new instruments not shown to media or the public previously.
The instruments on the tour are part of the International Center of Research Technology, which is located within The Hormel Institute and open to scientists from around the world. It provides Institute scientists with the tools necessary to advance and accelerate cancer research discoveries as quickly as possible.
The Hormel Institute specializes in research leading to cancer prevention and control. An expansion and renovation project from 2006 to 2008 tripled the research facility’s size and more than doubled its employees.
Currently, The Hormel Institute has 11 cancer research departments along with 130 faculty and staff members.