AccelNet Implementation Phase 1: Bioinvasion Research Integration across Dynamic Global Ecosystems (BRIDGE)

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $1,500,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Biological invasions by non-native species can harm local economies, food security, and human health and well-being and are inherently a multi-national phenomenon. Recent estimates of global annual costs of invasive species exceed $400 billion USD, including substantial impacts on people’s livelihoods and quality of life. Non-native species continue to spread rapidly in all biomes – on land, in freshwater, and in our oceans. Information about the extent of current invasions in our oceans, however, is limited, creating gaps in knowledge that weaken biosecurity efforts aimed at the prevention and management of invasive species. Clear communication pathways for consolidating information on known marine invasions across international stakeholders, and widely adopted standardized protocols for detecting new or undocumented invasions, are needed to tackle this grand challenge and minimize impacts on society. Harnessing complementary expertise across highly invested regional and global networks, the AccelNet BRIDGE program will advance key fundamental science at scales needed to support and inform effective biosecurity policy and contribute to training a skilled US-based workforce, poised to leverage international team science to engage with this challenge. These efforts will make detection of marine invasions more efficient, robust, integrated, and informative across global economies, which is essential for the prevention of future invasions. The AccelNet BRIDGE program will p

Key facts

NSF award ID
2450729
Awardee
Smithsonian Institution (DC)
SAM.gov UEI
KQ1KJG78NNS9
PI
Amy L Freestone
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
GERMANY (F.R.G.), UNITED KINGDOM, AMERICAS PROGRAM, Europe and Eurasia, ECUADOR
Estimated total
$1,500,000
Funds obligated
$1,500,000
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
07/01/2025 → 06/30/2029