University of Rhode Island Scientists Awarded $2.2 Million Grant for Deep-Sea Research
KINGSTON, R.I. – June 2, 2025 — A multidisciplinary team led by University of Rhode Island Professor Brennan Phillips is set to explore the ocean’s depths, thanks to a $2.2 million grant from the Ocean Shot Research Grant Program, part of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation’s initiative aimed at advancing ocean research and technology.
This ambitious project aims to enhance understanding of fragile deep-sea organisms and potentially identify new species. The team features notable collaborators, including John Burns from the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences and Robert Wood from Harvard University. Phillips and Wood will work closely to develop a groundbreaking biopsy and preservation device inspired by the mantis shrimp’s biology. This device is designed to capture gelatinous organisms without harming them, enabling scientists to collect tissue samples for genetic analysis.
Previously, Phillips successfully applied this innovative approach, characterized in the journal Science Advances, which documented the first instance of using advanced imaging technology to reveal deep-sea creatures’ genetic details.
The new project aims for "catch and release sampling," allowing researchers to enclose marine animals in specialized underwater chambers while collecting vital genetic data, all without harming the specimens. This rapid preservation is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the samples.
Phillips stated, “At URI, we excel at adapting innovative lab concepts for extreme deep-sea conditions.” As the project progresses, the team anticipates developing new algorithms for data analysis and deploying a shadowgraph system for more effective taxonomic classification.
While the project remains in the planning stage, with a laboratory prototype expected by winter 2025, the first expedition is projected for late 2026 in the South Atlantic Ocean.
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