The University of Rhode Island is part of the newly announced NSF Seafood Engine in New England, which has received a $15 million award from the U.S. National Science Foundation.
Led by NERACOOS, the NSF Engine will bring together universities, industry, entrepreneurs, workforce organizations, and community partners to strengthen New England’s seafood economy. The initiative will support research, workforce development, and the translation of new technologies into real-world applications.
URI’s participation builds on years of leadership in aquaculture and ocean research. Marta Gomez-Chiarri, professor of fisheries, animal and veterinary science, will lead the University’s team.
The NSF Engine reflects a collaborative effort among researchers, industry partners, community organizations, and institutions across New England.
URI Innovations contributed by helping highlight the University’s strengths in research translation, commercialization, and industry engagement—connections that will be critical as the initiative moves into implementation.
The first two years of work will be supported by the initial NSF award. During that period, the Engine will begin developing projects focused on challenges facing the seafood industry while creating new opportunities for research, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and regional collaboration.
The award represents an important opportunity to build new partnerships, accelerate innovation, and strengthen the future of New England’s seafood economy.