Moore Foundation grant aimed at helping next gen scientists tackle urgent issues, more

Eleven emerging scientists will soon take on some of Hawaiʻi’s most urgent environmental and scientific challenges through a new University of Hawaiʻi systemwide postdoctoral fellowship program funded by a $2 million grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.

These scholars will help drive discoveries — from safeguarding coral reefs to exploring the origins of the universe — to shape the future of the Pacific region and beyond.

“As federal support for research becomes increasingly constrained, philanthropy plays a crucial role in fueling innovation and discovery,” said Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation President Dr. Harvey V. Fineberg in announcing the $2 million grant. “At the Moore Foundation, we invest where science can make long-term, measurable change and in the talented people whose ideas will shape the future.”

This initiative — developed through a partnership among University of Hawaiʻi’s Office of Strategic Philanthropic Partnerships, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Scholarship and University of Hawaiʻi Foundation — strengthens the university’s research enterprise, encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and supports the development of future scientific leaders.

“This fellowship program exemplifies the power of strategic philanthropic partnership,” said Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Scholarship Research Program Officer Tarra McNally in the announcement. “Our long-standing relationship with the Moore Foundation continues to nurture the next generation of scholars who will advance research in Hawaiʻi and beyond.”

The program will support 11 postdoctoral scholars from 2025 to 2028 who will work in astronomy, oceanography, life sciences, geophysics, atmospheric science and other fields vital to Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.

Each fellow will receive up to 2 years of funding for salary and benefits, enabling them to focus on high-impact projects addressing critical scientific and environmental challenges.

“The Moore Foundation has been a steadfast partner to the University of Hawaiʻi for many years,” said University of Hawaiʻi Interim Vice President for Research and Innovation Chad Walton in the announcement. “Their sustained investment has strengthened [University of Hawaiʻi] research programs across disciplines — supporting scientists, seeding discovery and elevating Hawaiʻi’s role as a global leader in innovation.”

The Research and Innovation Office oversees research operations throughout the university’s 10 campuses.

“The Moore Foundation’s ongoing commitment has enabled [University of Hawaiʻi] researchers to pursue bold ideas that might otherwise go unexplored,” added University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel in the announcement, building on that history of support. “This fellowship program continues that legacy, empowering early-career scholars whose work will expand knowledge, drive innovation and benefit communities across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.”

The foundation — founded by Gordon and Betty Moore — supports breakthroughs in science and environmental conservation. Through this fellowship, University of Hawaiʻi and the Moore Foundation are investing in people, research and ideas that will help build a more sustainable and informed future.

Visit the Office of Strategic Philanthropic Partnerships website for more information about the fellowship program.

Find more information about the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation on the foundation website and follow @MooreFound on social media.