The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a $899,999 Project Grant through its Geosciences (CFDA 47.050) program to the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) on May 1, 2024. The grant will support collaborative research to characterize a novel blue copper ferritin protein in marine phytoplankton and explore how this protein may provide an ecological advantage in iron-limited ocean environments. The research aims to advance the understanding of how iron limitation impacts marine ecosystems and their capacity to draw down carbon from the atmosphere. Additionally, the project includes the development of a K-8 educational module on biogeochemical cycling using hands-on tidepool activities, which will reach approximately 600 underserved seventh-grade students. This award reflects NSF's mission to expand scientific knowledge and understanding of the integrated Earth system through basic research, technology development, and educational initiatives in the atmospheric, earth, and ocean sciences.
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