The science panel BP formed in response to last years Deepwater Horizon oilrig explosion and subsequent oil spill announced that it is making available $1.5 million in grants to scientists.
The Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GRI) is handing out the money for scientists to collect samples in the Gulf from July 1 to Sept. 30.
The GRI is a $500 million fund launched by BP for independent research of the Gulf of Mexico to evaluate the effects of last year's oil spill.
GRI Chairman Rita Colwell announced in a press release that the grants will range from $30,000 to $50,000 and will be awarded by the end of June.
"This funding ensures critical samples and observations will be collected this summer," Colwell said.
"It is intended to protect against gaps in important observations or loss of samples that will help to understand effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico."
Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative making $1.5 million in grants available
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