The Gulf Research Program is an independent, science-based program founded in 2013. The Program is housed within the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine—a private, nonprofit organization with a 150-year history as an independent advisor to the Nation on issues of science, engineering, and medicine. Through grants, fellowships, and other activities, the Gulf Research Program seeks to enhance oil system safety and the protection of human health and the environment in the Gulf of Mexico and other regions along the U.S. outer continental shelf with offshore oil and gas operations.
The Program’s origins can be traced to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) tragedy and its many human and ecosystem impacts. As part of agreements resolving the criminal charges against BP Exploration and Production Incorporated and Transocean Deepwater Incorporated, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) is receiving $500 million to develop a new, 30-year program (see funding schedule). The agreements stress the independence of the Program in allocating funds to achieve its priorities. BP Exploration and Production Inc. and Transocean Deepwater Inc. play no role in Program’s decision making.
| Funding Schedule | BP Exploration and Production Inc. | Transocean Deepwater Inc. | Total Funds Received |
| 2013 | $5 million | $2 million | $7 million |
| 2014 | $15 million | $7 million | $29 million |
| 2015 | $45 million | $21 million | $95 million |
| 2016 | $80 million | $60 million | $235 million |
| 2017 | $90 million | $60 million | $385 million |
| 2018 | $115 million | $500 million | |
This report highlights the Gulf Research Program’s establishment and first activities, covering the time period from mid-2013 to the end of 2014. It highlights some of the Program’s accomplishments and demonstrates how what we learned throughout the planning process shaped the Program’s foundation—from its strategic vision to the Program’s initial funding opportunities. During the Program’s 30-year duration, 2013-2043, the Program will build upon this foundation while of course evolving to meet new challenges. Each year, the Program will produce a report to summarize how Program funds were used. These annual reports will review accomplishments, highlight Program activities, and, over time, assess metrics to determine how the Program is progressing in accomplishing its goals.
The Gulf Research Program is one of a number of activities born of the DWH disaster, and we interact frequently with many of these programs. Together, we share a commitment to bring significant and lasting benefits to the Gulf region and the Nation.
