NSF Org:	OISE Office of International Science and Engineering
Recipient:	REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, THE
Initial Amendment Date:	September 16, 2024
Latest Amendment Date:	September 26, 2024
Award Number:	2435380
Award Instrument:	Continuing Grant
Program Manager:	Lance Manuel lmanuel@nsf.gov  (703)292-4250 OISE  Office of International Science and Engineering O/D  Office Of The Director
Start Date:	January 1, 2025
End Date:	December 31, 2029 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount:	$4,908,127.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date:	$3,926,620.00
Funds Obligated to Date:	FY 2024 = $3,926,620.00
History of Investigator:	john coates (Principal Investigator) jdcoates@berkeley.edu David Zilberman (Co-Principal Investigator) Daniel Okamoto (Co-Principal Investigator) Alexandra Hill (Co-Principal Investigator)
Recipient Sponsored Research Office:	University of California-Berkeley 1608 4TH ST STE 201 BERKELEY CA  US  94710-1749 (510)643-3891
Sponsor Congressional District:	12
Primary Place of Performance:	The Regents of the University of California 1608 4TH ST STE 201 BERKELEY CA  US  94710-1749
Primary Place of Performance Congressional District:	12
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI):	GS3YEVSS12N6
Parent UEI:
NSF Program(s):	Global Centers: Track I (IMPL), Cross-BIO Activities
Primary Program Source:	01002425DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
Program Reference Code(s):	125Z, 5942, 7561
Program Element Code(s):	249Y00, 727500
Award Agency Code:	4900
Fund Agency Code:	4900
Assistance Listing Number(s):	47.074, 47.079

ABSTRACT

This Center is jointly supported by NSF Office or International Science and Engineering and Directorate for Biological Sciences, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the National Research Foundation of Korea, and UK Research and Innovation.

This project establishes a Global Center focused on advancing the use of macroalgae (seaweed) in the global supply chain. It contributes to a sustainable future by offering new opportunities for economic growth while addressing critical environmental challenges. Sustainable development relies on renewable natural resources to produce goods and services. Macroalgae are highly productive and environmentally friendly. They offer a promising resource for producing fuels, food, and other valuable products. They grow faster than traditional crops, require less water, and provide essential nutrients. Growing macroalgae helps achieving net-zero carbon emission. Despite this remarkable potential, macroalgae are underutilized in industrial and environmental applications. This project harnesses this potential by driving research, innovation, knowledge sharing, and education. By bringing together a global network of experts and stakeholders, the center leverages diverse knowledge. The aim is to ensure that the sustainable growth and conversion of macroalgae into valuable products is financially viable. Another focus is on ensuring that the associated emerging industries are equitable and beneficial to communities across the supply chain. The project also provides support and training to undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral associates at University of California - Berkeley, as well as educational outreach to businesses and consumers for a sustainable macroalgal-based bioeconomy.

The center supports research in biodiversity, cultivation, and processing technologies, laying the groundwork for a robust and equitable macroalgae economy. The project establishes the International Bioeconomy Macroalgae Center (IBMC) to advance the macroalgae bioeconomy by addressing key knowledge gaps. The IBMC?s activities will focus on five key areas: 1) Foundational Research in Biodiversity and Genomics: Expanding knowledge of macroalgae species diversity and genetic traits for use in cultivation and conservation; 2) Cultivation and Harvesting: Developing and optimizing techniques for macroalgae cultivation and scaling production; 3) Processing & Conversion: Innovating methods for converting macroalgae into fuels, chemicals, and other products; 4) Circularity and Waste Management: Maximizing the efficient use of macroalgae biomass and minimizing the environmental impact; 5) Supply Chain and Socioeconomic Considerations: Designing and optimizing supply chains for macroalgae-based products and integrating socioeconomic considerations to ensure that the macroalgae bioeconomy is economically viable and socially equitable. Headquartered at UC Berkeley, the IBMC will collaborate with institutions worldwide, integrating diverse expertise to build a sustainable macroalgae industry. The center will seek additional international funding from both the private and public sectors to expand research and foster global collaboration. The overarching goal is to establish a robust global macroalgae bioeconomy that supports sustainability and economic development.

This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

Please report errors in award information by writing to: awardsearch@nsf.gov.