Pew-Gerstner Fellowships for Ocean Plastic Pollution Research

Enriched International · Found: 2026-03-10 22:02

Pew Charitable Trusts and Gerstner Philanthropies launching fellowships to support innovative research exploring ways to reduce marine plastic pollution

Source: https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2025/05/07/new-fellowships-to-address-ocean-plastic-pollution

Funding Details

Funder

The Pew Charitable Trusts and Gerstner Philanthropies

Funding Goal

Support innovative research exploring ways to reduce marine plastic pollution through individual fellowships for scientists, producing solutions-oriented research to address the ocean plastic pollution crisis.

Funding Amount

USD 150,000 per fellow over three years (individual fellowship, same as Pew Marine Fellows program) (150.000 € – 150.000 €)

Deadline

Rolling; three Pew-Gerstner Fellows to be selected over two years (2025-2026). First fellow announced 2026. (periodic)

How to Apply

Part of the Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation selection process. Fellows join the global community of Pew marine fellows and participate in program meetings and peer mentorship. Details at https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/projects/marine-fellows

Target Region

Global — focus on marine plastic pollution research applicable to international ocean environments

Contact

Leo Curran, Director, Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation — pewtrusts.org | Dr. Elizabeth Gerstner, Gerstner Philanthropies

Last Checked

2026-03-15 13:05

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• Must be a midcareer scientist with expertise in marine plastic pollution research
• Selection by nomination/review process — not open public application

Project Scope

• Research must be solutions-oriented, focused on reducing marine plastic pollution

Constraints

• Individual fellowship only — not available to organizations or NGOs
• Fellows must participate in annual Pew Marine Fellows program meetings and peer exchange
• Three fellowships total planned over 2025-2026 period

Summary

The Pew-Gerstner Fellows in Ocean Plastics Research is a specialty fellowship program launched in May 2025 as a joint initiative of The Pew Charitable Trusts and Gerstner Philanthropies. It operates as a dedicated track within the established Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation. The thematic focus is specifically on solutions-oriented research to reduce marine plastic pollution. Priority areas include development of tools for plastic identification and analysis, understanding plastic pathways in marine systems, assessing impacts on species and ecosystems, and informing science-based policy on plastic pollution prevention. Previous Pew fellows in this space have studied marine litter composition, invasive species transport via plastic, and microplastic accumulation in seafood. Eligible activities include innovative scientific research, development of analytical tools and open-source resources, field surveys, laboratory analysis, and creation of knowledge resources for researchers and policymakers. Fellows are expected to participate in the broader Pew marine fellows network through annual meetings and peer collaboration. Geographically the program is global with no regional restrictions. The first 2026 fellow (Win Cowger) works at the Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research in the United States. Eligible applicants are midcareer researchers with expertise in marine plastic pollution science. The program funds individuals, not organizations. Selection is through the same nomination and review process as the broader Pew marine fellows program. Three Pew-Gerstner fellows are to be selected over the period 2025-2026. Funding is USD 150,000 per fellow over three years, consistent with the broader Pew Fellows program. Fellows join a growing global community of 200+ alumni and participate in program events and mentorship.

Historical Context

Launched May 2025 as a new specialty track within the existing Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation, which has supported 200+ scientists from 44 countries over 30 years. Partnership between The Pew Charitable Trusts and Gerstner Philanthropies. Three fellows to be selected over two years 2025-2026; first fellow (Win Cowger, Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research) announced in 2026. Scientists forecast plastic entering oceans could triple by 2040.

Sources

• https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2025/05/07/new-fellowships-to-address-ocean-plastic-pollution
• https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/projects/marine-fellows

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