The University of Michigan has received a $25 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to support collaborative research initiatives addressing critical environmental challenges in U.S. coastal communities.
The five-year grant was awarded to the National Estuarine Research Reserve System Science Collaborative at U-M’s Graham Sustainability Institute.
“After a decade of hosting the program, we are thrilled that NOAA has recommended our continued leadership of the NERRS Science Collaborative,” said Jennifer Read, principal investigator at the NERRS Science Collaborative. “We really appreciate NOAA’s confidence in our team and are deeply committed to supporting the National Estuarine Research Reserve System.
“With many innovative ideas on the horizon, the chance to continue with the program allows our team to bring them to life in collaboration with the NERRS, and make an even greater impact through collaborative science.”
Operating nationally, the NERRS Science Collaborative addresses sustainability challenges by supporting research that is both responsive to management needs and impactful. Its efforts align with three pillars of sustainability: addressing climate change impacts in vulnerable coastal areas, empowering historically excluded communities and supporting key sectors of the blue economy, such as fishing and recreation.
“The NERRS Science Collaborative is central to Graham’s mission and impact, driving critical insights on collaborative science, coastal resilience, and climate change,” said Jennifer Haverkamp, the Graham Family Director of the Graham Sustainability Institute.
“Exemplifying Graham’s commitment to advancing research through collaboration, the Science Collaborative is grounded in listening to and responding to evolving community needs, working toward a more sustainable future.”
The NERRS Science Collaborative is NOAA’s primary mechanism for funding research at individual reserve sites. It plays a crucial role in addressing issues such as water level change, habitat degradation and the impacts of coastal development. Many past projects funded through this collaborative have led to further investments under the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, highlighting the program’s national significance.
In partnership with NOAA, U-M will solicit proposals across the United States to fund collaborative research and knowledge-exchange projects. These initiatives will involve coastal managers and scientists developing innovative, science-based solutions to enhance the resilience of estuarine habitats and coastal communities.
“The University of Michigan, which successfully managed the NERRS Science Collaborative from 2014 to 2024, was selected to continue its partnership role after a highly competitive evaluation process,” said Doug George, NERRS Science Collaborative program manager at NOAA.
“This selection reinforces the university’s commitment to fostering place-based science that benefits the stewardship of economically significant coastal ecosystems.”
Research priorities for 2024-29 include:
- Community resilience and adaptability — This explores interactions between human communities and estuarine systems and identifying behaviors that can improve resilience to environmental changes.
- Habitat adaptability — This investigates strategies to enhance the resilience of estuarine habitats in response to stressors such as sea level rise, invasive species and climate change.
- Watershed dynamics — This examines the impacts of land use and pollution on estuarine ecosystems and exploring management and mitigation options.
- Change analysis — This uses long-term monitoring data to assess marsh health and estuary conditions, building on existing NERRS programs.
NOAA’s funding — administered by U-M — will be open to U.S. academic institutions, nongovernment organizations and public sector entities collaborating closely with NERRS reserve staff. Proposals will be solicited this fall, with new projects expected to begin in fall 2025.
Anticipated outcomes include:
- Development of innovative research techniques for coastal and estuarine management.
- Transfer of knowledge and solutions across the NERRS system and to other coastal programs.
- Greater engagement of diverse partners in impactful, applied research.
- Strengthened connections between NOAA and local communities addressing emerging coastal management challenges.
Established in 2009, the NERRS Science Collaborative remains a cornerstone of NOAA’s commitment to supporting coastal communities. This upcoming grant period marks the third iteration of the program under U-M’s leadership, ensuring continuity and expansion of vital research efforts benefiting coastal ecosystems nationwide.
