Gulf Research Program Annual Report 2022 (2024)

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M E SS AG E F R OM T H E E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R The year 2022 was busy and exciting for the Gulf Research Program (GRP), as the principles outlined in our most recent strategic plan continued to take shape and infuse our programming. The GRP’s activities centered around three key themes that will shape the future of the Gulf of Mexico region: energy safety and the energy transition, the changing Gulf coastline, and the compounding impacts of repetitive disasters. Cutting across these themes is an emphasis on shaping the workforce of the future and a commitment to supporting all of the Gulf region’s diverse communities. Our strategy is built on four pillars: advancing science and understand- ing, bridging knowledge to action, building partnerships and engaging networks, and monitoring for progress and change. Under this framework, in 2022 the GRP awarded more than $50 million in research grants, supported ambitious research efforts, strengthened ongoing programs, hosted innovative online and in-person gatherings, and continued our efforts to support the next generation of Gulf leaders. We made significant investments in understanding the physical processes of the Gulf of Mexico. As part of Phase III of our Understanding Gulf Ocean Systems initiative, we awarded $22 million to support three consortia in developing the data and analysis to advance our understanding of the Loop Current, the dominant circulation feature in the Gulf of Mexico. We also provided $4.6 million in awards to support improvements in the forecasting of sea level rise along the Gulf Coast. Many sea level rise estimates are global in scale and this funding opportunity provides a chance to improve sea level rise predictions on a regional, Gulf-wide scale. We developed academic programs designed to inspire and prepare young people to be the regional leaders of the future. We welcomed six new schools to the Gulf Scholars Program (Eckerd College, Louisiana State University, Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi, University of Central Florida, University of South Alabama, and University of Southern Mississippi), increasing the number of participating institutions to 13. And we funded five universities (Auburn University, Louisiana State University, Mississippi State University, Tulane Univer- sity, and the University of Florida) to create interdisciplinary architectural studio design courses that engage with the unique features of the region. These innovative programs complement our existing Early-Career and Science Policy Fellowships as investments in the workforce of the future. 1 

We supported the application of data to address critical Gulf issues. In March, the National Academies released a GRP-sponsored consensus study report that examined the data requirements for the nation to be able to adequately monitor the effectiveness of the billions of dollars spent on restoration in the Gulf. In addi- tion, we made planning grant awards for two Historically Black Colleges and Uni- versities as part of the initial phase of a partnership with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to understand how data on social determinants of health can transform public health data systems in the Gulf of Mexico region. We made awards to an additional six projects that aim to facilitate the use of open and accessible data to help state, local, or Tribal governments achieve better outcomes associated with climate hazards or other disasters. We backed projects at the community level. Recognizing that effective change requires robust input from affected communities, we launched a series of grant opportunities to elevate community voices and knowledge through approaches like innovative engagement activities, leveraging communities of practice, and supporting planning for nature-based solutions at the community level. We carried out innovative outreach and engagement. Building on our experiences with “serious game” workshops on offshore energy safety and infra- structure prioritization, we hosted a similar exercise on the topic of the energy transition in December. This interactive event complemented our online colloquia on the energy transition produced in partnership with the National Academy of Engineering (NAE). Our In Times of Crisis: Stories from the Gulf of Mexico project supported the production of three short films highlighting the power of well- conceived academic–community partnerships. In June, we hosted an online event that premiered the films with featured academics and community members. We informed key decision makers. In March, I testified before the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis on federal strategies for equitable adaptation and resilience. Drawing on the GRP’s experience working with communities in the region, I emphasized that because disasters magnify the inequities that exist in societies—race, income, language, mobility—an effective strategy must find the right balance in managing three interconnected pieces that drive resilience: the environment, economy, and demographics. As we emerged from the restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pan- demic, the ability to meet in person again was most welcome, and a highlight was being able to get together with our friends at the very successful Gulf of Mexico Conference (GOMCON) in Baton Rouge this past April. GRP staff gave multiple presentations at the conference, but it was especially gratifying that more than 20 of our Science Policy and Early-Career Research Fellows presented their work at the conference, either in the form of presentations or poster sessions. Their presence was a testament to our investments in the people who will help shape the region’s future. Looking ahead to 2023, we aim to continue to strengthen the bonds we have established and build new connections as we work together with our valued friends and partners to create a safe, resilient, and sustainable Gulf region. Lauren Alexander Augustine Executive Director, Gulf Research Program 2