# The role of interspecific competition for ecosystem temporal stability: Experimental tests using laboratory protist microcosms

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Georgia Tech Research Corporation (GA) · $738,632

## Abstract

Understanding what makes ecosystems stable over time is a fundamental question in ecology. While previous research has shown that biodiversity can help stabilize ecosystems, much less is known about how basic ecological processes, like competition between species, affect ecosystem stability. This project will investigate how competition influences the ability of ecosystems to maintain consistent functions over time (i.e., ecosystem temporal stability), both within individual ecological communities and across larger, interconnected systems. Using fast-growing, single-celled organisms called protists in controlled laboratory experiments, this project will test new ideas about how competitive interactions and the order in which species arrive influence ecosystem stability over time. In addition to advancing scientific knowledge, the project will provide meaningful educational opportunities. Undergraduate students will design and conduct experiments as part of their coursework, and high school students and K–12 teachers will participate in lab-based research through established programs at Georgia Tech. Outreach activities will include public engagement at science festivals and community events. The project will also provide training for a postdoctoral researcher, a graduate student, and multiple undergraduate researchers.

This project will explore the role of interspecific competition in shaping ecosystem temporal stability at both local (community) and regional (metacommunit

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2520925
- **Awardee organization:** Georgia Tech Research Corporation (GA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** EMW9FC8J3HN4
- **PI:** Lin Jiang
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** —
- **Estimated total:** $738,632
- **Funds obligated:** $738,632
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2520925

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2520925, The role of interspecific competition for ecosystem temporal stability: Experimental tests using laboratory protist microcosms. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2520925. Licensed CC0.

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