University of Rhode Island Scientists Awarded $2.2 Million Grant for Deep-Sea Research
KINGSTON, R.I. – June 2, 2025 – A team of scientists from the University of Rhode Island (URI), led by renowned Professor of Ocean Engineering and Oceanography Brennan Phillips, has secured $2.2 million from the Ocean Shot Research Grant Program to investigate fragile deep-sea organisms and potentially discover new species. This funding, provided by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation’s Ocean Policy Research Institute, aims to foster innovative ocean exploration.
The multidisciplinary team includes experts from prestigious institutions such as the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, Harvard University, Baruch College, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. They will work on a pioneering biopsy device inspired by the mantis shrimp, allowing for non-destructive sampling of gelatinous deep-sea animals.
Phillips highlighted the importance of rapidly preserving tissue samples to ensure the integrity of genetic material. "If we can get the tissue into preservative within one or two minutes of collection, we can achieve a full genome analysis," he explained. This process is crucial for understanding the biology and stress levels of these organisms.
The project builds on previous advancements detailed in the journal Science Advances, which marked the successful characterization of deep-sea animals at unprecedented levels. The new device aims to facilitate "catch and release sampling," where researchers can study animals in their natural habitat without causing harm.
Going forward, the team plans to develop software for processing complex imaging data and introduce new algorithms for automatic identification of species. While still in the conceptual stage, Phillips anticipates having a prototype ready by winter 2025, with the first deep-sea expedition projected for late 2026 in the South Atlantic Ocean.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for cutting-edge research in extreme environments,” Phillips affirmed, emphasizing URI’s commitment to pioneering ocean science.
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