Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
The Geological Survey funds a Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit partner to develop a gene expression panel that distinguishes stressors affecting wildlife and ecosystem health.
Funder: Geological Survey
Due Dates: November 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $1–$150,000 per award; $150,000 total funding; one expected award
Summary: Supports development of an enhanced gene expression panel to distinguish stressors affecting population and ecosystem health.
Key Information: Applicants must be participating partners of the Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit.
Description
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a cooperative agreement through the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Program to develop an enhanced gene expression panel. The panel must differentiate among several distinct stressors that can affect population and ecosystem health, contributing to the development of ecosystem monitoring programs. Focal species include Californian sea lions, sea otters, salmon, longfin smelt, mussels, and clams.
The research is intended to generate actionable scientific information for management decisions, early warning systems, and ecosystem recovery efforts. It supports Department of the Interior and Administration priorities in ecosystem resilience, restoration, public health preparedness, and scientific integrity. CESU partnerships provide research, technical assistance, and education.
