RESEARCH GRANT FOR BRYOPHYTE STUDY

Renowned Malagasy bryologist, Dr Lova Marline, was awarded the Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer (JWO) research grant, aimed at supporting early-career scientists in developing solutions to African challenges. The grant is managed by Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation, and Oppenheimer Generations Philanthropies. Marline intends to use the grant for her pioneering research project on bryophytes and lichen, small flowerless plants known for their sensitivity to environmental changes.

Marline’s study focuses on the role of bryophytes and lichen in monitoring three critical threats to humanity and the environment: air pollution, climate change and the biological diversity crisis, and the grant will enable her to intensify her research efforts, at the same time collaborating with scientists from various African nations. The project’s three main objectives include:

*building a comprehensive data base of these plants in African biodiversity hot spots;

*predicting the impacts of air pollution and climate change on biodiversity;

*mapping toxic particles and metal-containing air pollutants affecting human health.

In addition, conservation, specifically the preservation of ecosystems, is an integral part of the mission.

https://jworesearchgrant.org