A Blue Economy Extravaganza: Introducing Admiral Tim Gallaudet's New ASPN Podcast & The NSF Convergence Accelerator

On this two-part episode, Peter Ravella and Tyler Buckingham introduce Admiral Tim Gallaudet, host of the new "American Blue Economy Podcast," coming out this month on ASPN. Gallaudet's monthly show will explore the intricacies of the blue economy with top policy and science experts from inside and outside government. The guest lineup is spectacular. We discuss Gallaudet's early influences, his 30+ year Navy career, what it means to be the Oceanographer of the Navy, his Scripps PhD, and his tenure as NOAA's Acting Administrator. We introduce the new show and also discuss the importance of leadership in the ocean and coastal space. Simply put, please meet Tim Gallaudet.  We could not be more thrilled to add the Admiral and the American Blue Economy Podcast to the ASPN lineup.  It's going to be great. (40:04) In Part II, Tim joins Peter and Tyler to shine a bright light on the National Science Foundation's Networked Blue Economy Convergence Accelerator, a $30 million grant program now open for proposals.   Joining the show from NSF are Douglas Maughan, Chris Sanford, and Knauss Sea Grant Policy Fellow, Clea Harrelson, to lay out why coastal professionals, companies, NGOs, and stakeholders should pay attention to this not-to-be-missed funding opportunity.  The accelerator is an R&D program that functions much like a tech "boot camp" where selected teams receive a capitol infusion up to $5.75M over three years and compete and collaborate to develop new products and services for America's blue economy.  This unique and powerful grant opportunity is designed to foster collaboration among multi-disciplinary teams of coastal thinkers and innovators from NGO's, academic institutions, community groups, and even industry-lead teams.  The goal is to accelerate a convergence across ocean sectors and create a smart, integrated, connected, and open ecosystem for ocean innovation, exploration, and sustainable utilization. Collectively, the selected research teams are expected to develop new solutions that improve human engagement with oceans as both an environment space and an economic resource.  Check it out, form a team, and apply today.  Letters of Interest are due May 5 and full proposals are due June 14, 2021.