Generation Next Handout

RESEARCH AT MOTE MARINE LABORATORY

Mote Marine Laboratory has more than 80 staff members dedicated to research including 33 doctoral level scientists. Mote researchers produce approximately 100 scientific publications annually and have made groundbreaking discoveries in the area of marine biology, such as the development of new and much needed pharmaceuticals, therapies, advanced technologies and sophisticated robotics that directly impact communities around the world. Mote’s independence distinguishes the lab as a leader in scientific innovation through its ability to attract the best and brightest minds by allowing them to pursue their own research.

Next Generation Scientists A DECISIVE MOMENT FOR MOTE MARINE LABORATORY Founded as a one-person shark research operation in 1955, Mote Marine Laboratory is now one of the premier independent marine laboratories in the world and a recognized leader among diverse scientific and education communities.

Mote is dedicated to cutting edge research with an emphasis on conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity, healthy habitats and natural resources around the world.

However, a key facet of Mote’s new 2020 Vision & Strategic Plan is to translate and transfer its science and technology development to positively impact both human society and the marine environment. This is evident in Mote’s studies of human cancer using marine models, as well as studies of the effects of red tide on humans, the environment and the economy.

Research programs also focus on understanding the population dynamics of fisheries, manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks and coral reefs and on conservation and restoration efforts related to these species and ecosystems.

Abe Robinson, DVM, Ph.D. Marine Veterinary Research Postdoctoral Fellow

Justin Perrault, Ph.D. Staff Scientist

EVERY DOLLAR THAT MOTE SPENDS ON RESEARCH IS A DOLLAR THAT HAS TO BE RAISED THROUGH GRANT OR PRIVATE FUNDING. Over the past decade there have been seismic shifts in the funding landscape for science and research.

It is more difficult to secure funding for scientific research now that it has ever been in the past.

Furthermore, available funding favors pre-existing projects which stymies innovation and deters scientists from exploring new areas of research.

Mote has launched its 2020 Vision & Strategic Plan with the mandate to secure significant private sector support to significantly increase its ability to conduct world class research in spite of these cuts. True to its independent mission, a key element of our strategic plan is to ensure that funding is available for young scientists and that Mote remains a destination for early career scientists to begin their arc of inquiry.

Nicole Rhody, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Scientist

allows Mote to improve the health of the ocean, enhance the world’s food supply and bolster the economy around the globe.

UNPRECEDENTED OPPORTUNITY In order to recruit, nurture and retain the next generation of men and women who will one day lead scientific discovery, Mote must be able to offer them an environment that fosters their independent scholarship and unique professional advancement.

By securing the funding needed to offer post-doctoral fellowships, Mote Marine Laboratory will be in a position to attract the next generation of leaders in the scientific community. Giving young minds appropriate funding and the freedom to pursue their own groundbreaking research will strengthen Mote’s position among the most creative and fruitful research enterprises in the world.

CRITICAL NEED: YOUNG MINDS, BIG IDEAS Looking forward, Mote is seeking to attract, nurture and retain the best and brightest scientists through the implementation of a focused recruitment and professional development program that will facilitate an appropriate succession plan for the next generation of world-class scientists. Increased funding to support these scientists, researchers, and eminent scholars will translate to new discoveries and breakthroughs in various sectors of marine research, and will ensure the long-term sustainability of Mote’s research enterprise. This

MOTE MARINE LABORATORY

Dr. Nick Whitney attached accelerometer tags on two great whites caught and released off Cape Cod. PHOTO CREDIT: OCEARCH

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