Case for Support: Next Generation Researchers at Mote

Generation

NEXT 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 and 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.

Today’s Research | Tomorrow’s Oceans

Mote Marine Laboratory has over 80 staff members dedicated to research including 31 doctoral level scientists.

Mote researchers produce approximately 100 scientific publications annually and have made groundbreaking discoveries in the area 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

Erinn Muller, Ph.D. is a postdoctoral fellow at Mote Marine Laboratory. Her research is focused on studying coral reefs. “Coral reefs are one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the ocean, but also one of the most sensitive to disturbances. I know I can make a difference in the world by helping to preserve coral reef ecosystems in peril.

scientific innovation through its ability to attract the best and brightest minds by allowing them to pursue their own research.

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 than 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 and

Generation

NEXT 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 the 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.

Increased funding to support the activities of 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.

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

Critical Need: Young Minds, Big Ideas

Unprecedented Opportunity

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.

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. Please consider making a gift to one of Mote’s dynamic research tracks outlined below:

Contact: Tom Waters Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy.

Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 388-4441, ext. 352 waters@mote.org

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUPPORT

Jayne Gardiner, Ph.D. “Most postdoctoral positions involve working under someone else’s existing grant and on projects of their choosing. This fellowship provides me the opportunity to pursue cutting edge and innovative research. Mote’s facilities are also exceptional — the area where we study sharks is the largest of its kind in the country and the only place where behavioral studies of this scale can be accomplished.”

F un ding a r e a

D e sc ription

Prestigious Mote Post-Doctoral Fellowship

Establish a Mote Post-Doctoral Fellowship position, with full salary, fringe and start-up costs.

This will provide a young scientist with the opportunity to pursue cutting edge and ground breaking research.

Annua l cost

En dow m e nt

$125,000 – One Post-Doctoral Fellowship

$2,500,000 – Fully endow one continually rotating Post-Doctoral Fellowship