DENVER/October 10, 2022 – Morris Animal Foundation, in partnership with Revive & Restore, is now accepting proposals for studies on genomic sequencing and/or biobanking for the protection and management of wildlife in kelp forest ecosystems.
Wild Genomes funding calls are topic-specific; this call is for proposals focused on species that live within kelp forests. From fish, to invertebrates, sea birds, marine mammals and kelp, all species belonging to kelp ecosystems qualify. Proposals should describe a conservation-oriented effort that will benefit substantially from genomic sequencing and biobanking.
“Critical wildlife species in key ecosystems like kelp forests face myriad threats due to habitat degradation and climate change,” said Dr. Kathy Tietje, Vice President of Scientific Operations at Morris Animal Foundation. “The Wild Genomes Program in partnership with Revive & Restore aims to place innovative conservation tools into the hands of wildlife managers, with the goal of achieving measurable and significant improvement for the health and welfare of wild species around the world.”
Wild Genomes is designed to accelerate the genomic sequencing and biobanking of species with a clear conservation need. Potential projects will be evaluated according to timeliness and urgency (e.g., at-risk species), the ecological role of the targeted species (e.g., keystone species), the species’ potential role in providing ecosystem services, and the potential impact of the project.
Applications for the Kelp Forest Ecosystems topic are due December 16, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Interested researchers should apply here and can learn more on Revive & Restore's website. All proposals submitted in response to this RFP will undergo administrative and scientific review by a Scientific Advisory Board. Additional information, including award types and funding levels, can be found on the Foundation's Grants page.
Scientific Review Board
- Jaylene Flint, PhD, Ohio State University
- Alyssa Adler, Duke University
- Lara Croft, DVM, Dipl ACZM, Denver Zoological Foundation
- Gina Contolini, PhD, Greater Farallones Association and Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary
- Ashley Barratclough, BVetMed, MSc, WAH, MS, MRCVS, National Marine Mammal Foundation
- Stephen Palumbi, PhD, Stanford University
- Mrinalini Erkenswick Watsa, PhD, San Diego Wild Animal Alliance
- Erik Iverson, PhD, University of Texas
- James Dimond, PhD, Western Washington University
- Mark Daly, Cantata Bio
- Elif Demir-Hilton, PhD, Oceankind
- Debashish Bhattacharya, PhD, Rutgers University
About Morris Animal Foundation
Founded in 1948, Morris Animal Foundation is one of the largest nonprofit animal health research organizations in the world, funding more than $149 million in nearly 3,000 critical studies across a broad range of species. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org.
About Revive & Restore
Revive & Restore is the leading wildlife conservation organization promoting the incorporation of biotechnologies into standard conservation practice. Revive & Restore was founded in 2012 and is developing the Genetic Rescue Toolkit through a broad portfolio of projects supported through its Catalyst Science Fund.
Media Contact: Kelly Diehl
