Program Update: Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative – February 2012
Earlier this week, the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GoMRI) Research Board announced the selection of Dr. Charles “Chuck” A. Wilson to serve as the GoMRI Chief Scientific Officer. The Chief Scientific Officer is a new position created by the Research Board to provide scientific and research advice and leadership to the GoMRI. Dr. Wilson will coordinate the work of the GoMRI Research Board with the various administrative units implementing the research program and with the Gulf of Mexico Alliance. Additionally, he will support the Research Board’s efforts to ensure the intellectual quality, research effectiveness, and scientific independence of the $500 million GoMRI research initiative. Dr. Wilson is a distinguished scientist and academic leader. He has held faculty and administrative posts at Louisiana State University (LSU), where he joined the faculty in 1984 as an assistant professor in the Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences. Since then, he has risen through the academic ranks to full professor and department chairman. Most recently, he has served as Executive Director of the Louisiana Sea Grant College Program, and prior to that as the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs. Dr. Wilson is currently a member of the GoMRI Research Board and will continue this post until he begins work as the Chief Science Officer. Welcome aboard, Chuck!
The GoMRI was well represented at the 2012 Ocean Sciences Meeting in Salt Lake City, February 20-24. Many members of the Ocean Sciences community visited the GoMRI booth to learn more about the initiative. An overview brochure highlighted the research funded to date through GoMRI. Many students and early career scientists expressed interest in opportunities to participate in the initiative. There were also sessions and one plenary that focused on research related to the Gulf of Mexico and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
The GoMRI RFP-II is currently open; up to $7.5 million per year is available for funding under RFP-II. Please be reminded that the deadline to submit full proposals is March 8, 2012 at 9:00 pm eastern standard time. The submit button within the form must be clicked by 9:00pm EST in order for successful submission. Applicants will not be able to access this form after the deadline has passed. Please allow adequate time for submission and the uploading of your file.
