The Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Cultural Programs of the National Academy of Sciences, and Atelier de la Nature invite artists, designers, educators, scientists, scholars, cultural leaders, and community partners to apply to participate in a collaborative convening focusing on turning ideas into action for the Gulf region. This gathering will bring together creative, scientific, and community-based knowledge to address urgent environmental, health, and social challenges—rooted in the Gulf’s cultural richness and ecological complexity.
Participants will work across disciplines to spark new partnerships, test bold ideas, and shape practical pathways for research, public engagement, education, and collective problem-solving. If you’re interested in imagining—and building—more resilient futures for the Gulf, we encourage you to apply.
Following the convening, participants will be invited to submit proposals for seed grant funding to support new collaborations and ideas emerging from the event. Up to 3 grants will be awarded, totaling $45,000 in available funding.
Application Process & Deadline
This form must be completed by
May 1, 2026, 5 p.m. Eastern Time to be considered for participation. The convening will be held at
Atelier de la Nature (1050 Andrew Gautreaux Rd, Arnaudville, Louisiana 70512) from
November 10-13, 2026.
Applicants should reside in one of the five Gulf States (Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, or Texas) or be able to show a strong connection to the Gulf in their work or personally.
The National Academies will pay all travel and conference-related expenses for selected attendees. Applicants will be notified of their selection status by
June 5, 2026.Possible Focus AreasHealth & Well-Being
Linking environmental conditions to human health and exploring creative tools for communication, awareness, and community-driven monitoring.
Environmental Stewardship
Protecting and restoring Gulf ecosystems through interdisciplinary approaches that make ecological change visible, tangible, and actionable.
Community Engagement
Designing participatory models that center local knowledge, amplify community voices, and bridge science, culture, and public decision-making.
Energy & Transition
Reimagining the Gulf’s energy future by examining the social, environmental, and cultural dimensions of energy systems and transition.
Education Through Art & Science
Creating innovative learning models that merge art, science, and Gulf heritage to build literacy, curiosity, and the next generation of regional leaders.
If you have any questions, please contact me at jtalasek@nas.edu.
Thank you for your participation,
-JD
JD Talasek
Director, Cultural Programs of the National Academy of Sciences