According to the UW, this is the largest federal award the University of Washington has ever earned and "is the culmination of a two-decade quest to transform the manner in which science in ocean basins can be conducted."
The UW will use the money to install nearly 500 miles of fiber-optic and power cable and seven science nodes on the seafloor off the Pacific Northwest.
What's a science node and why all the fuss?
From what our unscientific eye can tell from all the fun stuff posted on UW's website, a node is like an underwater satellite, providing an amazing glimpse into what's happening along the ocean floor and deep in our ocean waters. The nodes will collect all kinds of data that researchers and scientists can use for things like monitoring seismic activity, researching climate change, and more. And regular folks like us will have access to stunning real-time seafloor footage, a great tool for teaching and learning about our oceans.
The project also opens up a new pool of jobs. The grant will result in 30 new positions at the University of Washington. And though exact numbers aren't known, UW President Mark Emmert and Mike Kelly who is helping manage the project say there will be a "huge trickle-down effect" for additional local jobs as UW seeks sub-contracts for engineering and other support services.
This is a good reminder that institutions such as the University of Washington play an incredibly important role, not just in educating students, but in keeping Washington state on the global forefront of groundbreaking research and science initiatives.
Congratulations, Huskies!
