2026 US HAB CTI Funding Opportunity
The US HAB-CTI is soliciting proposals to research innovative Harmful Algal Bloom control tools and technologies to assess their real-world feasibility. Harmful Algal Bloom control includes biological, chemical, or physical approaches that reduce or eliminate harmful algae and/or their toxins. It is anticipated that the tools and technologies still be in the initial stages (Tier 1 or 2) of research and so the research project should be conducted in small scale lab testing, tanks, mesocosms, or raceways. The tools and/or technologies should demonstrate potential to be scalable, environmentally acceptable, and cost-effective.
Projects may target any algae that is an issue in the U.S. coastal, estuarine, or Great Lakes regions, including: toxic and noxious phytoplankton, cyanobacteria, benthic algae, and macroalgae. Also, proposals requesting funding for conducting legal research (?$50K) or collecting data (?$100K) required for federal permitting and registration of proven algicide will be considered.
The US HAB-CTI 2026 call for proposals is open to projects that include, but are not limited to:
- Cyst bed control technologies
- Integrated approaches combining physical, chemical, and/or biological strategies
- Novel delivery methods for algicides
- Use of food-grade products
- Addressing EPA permit requirements (e.g., byproducts, environmental fate, and toxicity to non-target species)
- Testing proven control methods on alternative ecosystems or species
- Letters of intent due Dec. 22
- Details
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship
NOAA’s Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship recognizes outstanding students studying in NOAA mission fields. Scholars receive up to $9,500 per academic year to support their studies, as well as paid summer internship opportunities at NOAA facilities across the U.S. Hollings alumni report that the experience influenced their academic and career paths, expanded their professional networks and improved their skills for working in NOAA mission fields. Of Hollings scholars surveyed, 100% would recommend this opportunity to other students. Applications due Jan. 31
2026 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine Gulf Research Program – Environmental Literacy for Community Resilience
he National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Gulf Research Program (GRP) along with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Environmental Literacy Program, aims to enhance community resilience and increase the environmental literacy of community members across the U.S. Gulf States (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida) through place-based education. This funding opportunity will support projects that educate community members on local environmental challenges, engage learners in solutions-oriented activities, and empower participants to engage in them. A total of $4M is available for this funding opportunity. Applicants must request between $100,000 and $750,000 for projects, commensurate with the scope of work, that are between 12 and 36 months in duration.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine Gulf Research Program
NASEM is now accepting applications for their funding opportunity, Empowering K-8 Youth Through Place-Based Education! The GRP is seeking proposals that engage children and youth in place-based educational activities that will foster the development of the scientific and environmental skills, competencies, and capabilities that are critical to solving complex issues in the Gulf region now and into the future. A total of $5 million is available for this funding opportunity to support projects between $100,000 and $750,000 that are up to three years in duration. The GRP will accept proposals from nonprofit, state, and local entities, excluding federal agencies, which support educational, service, and/or coordination activities for children and youth in the K-8 grade range.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine – Early Career Research Fellowship
The Gulf Research Program’s Early-Career Research Fellowship supports emerging scientific leaders as they take risks on research ideas not yet tested, pursue unique collaborations, and build a network of colleagues who share their interest in improving offshore energy system safety and the well-being of coastal communities and ecosystems. An award of $76,000 is paid to each fellow’s institution in the form of a two-year grant. Potential fellows must ensure compliance with their institution’s requirements for applications for external funding. Funds cannot be used on institutional overhead or indirect charges. Detailed information can be found in the Early-Career Research Fellowship sample grant agreement for public and private institutions.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Translating Coastal Research into Application
The U.S. Coastal Research Program (USCRP) is a multi-agency led effort to coordinate Federal activities, strengthen academic programs, and address coastal community needs. Past USCRP opportunities have funded university researchers across the U.S. to tackle coastal science and engineering questions in a variety of environments along all of the nation’s coastlines. The goal of the USCRP is to build a community of practice to address societal needs along the coast. USCRP is a collaboration of Federal agencies, academics, and stakeholders that aims to identify research priorities, enhance funding for coastal academic programs, foster collaboration, and promote science translation. It is anticipated that approximately $4,000,000 will be available to move research project findings detailed in The Nearshore Report (https://uscoastalresearch.org/publications) toward application through service delivery that integrates research, its application, and community engagement in three thematic program areas of (1) long-term coastal evolution, (2) extreme Notice of Federal Funding Page 2 of 24 storms, and (3) human and ecosystem health. Developing and delivering actionable scientific information to users on the related themes requires integration of a broad range of stakeholder needs and coastal science. The USCRP Story Map highlights research that has been funded by the program: https://bit.ly/uscrp-projects
