Catalyst Science Fund

Geographic Scope: International

Mission: To advance the development of new biotechnology tools to help solve conservation's most intractable problems through early-stage, transformative bio-science research and proof-of-concept projects.

Background: Launched in 2018 with a $3 million pledge from biotech company Promega. The fund has grown to over $20 million and has awarded more than 70 grants to researchers applying biotechnology tools to support genetic rescue of endangered species. A key barrier to adoption of genomic solutions by the conservation community has been the lack of success stories; the Catalyst Science Fund was created to demonstrate that this long-term approach can create new high-impact capabilities for wildlife conservation.

Focus Areas:

• Genetic rescue of endangered species
• Development of biotechnology tools for conservation
• Proof-of-concept projects with significant conservation benefits
• Broad applicability for creating innovative solutions for endangered species and threatened ecosystems
• Projects supported include coral bleaching research, black-footed ferret cloning, elephant population genetics analysis

Project Types Funded:

• Proof of concept projects
• Applied research with conservation benefits
• Early-stage biotechnology research

Review Process: Projects reviewed by a distinguished Catalyst Science Advisory comprised of recognized leaders in biotechnology and conservation.