The Everglades Foundation has announced a global initiative
offering a $10 million prize to anyone who can solve one of the world's most
daunting environmental problems. A donor has committed the $10 million prize
for The Grand Challenge. An additional $1 million will be awarded in a variety
of subcategories.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency calls nutrient pollution, "one of
America's most widespread, costly and challenging environmental problems . . .
resulting in serious environmental and human health issues, and impacting the
economy.''
A major culprit is phosphorus.
The Grand Challenge $10 million prize will be awarded to anyone who can
successfully develop and execute a process to remove excessive phosphorus from
our waterways, and develop a method to recycle that phosphorus into much needed
phosphate for use in growing the world's food supply.
During the past 18 months, Everglades Foundation scientists have met with
dozens of scientists, as well as business and government leaders, to study the
concept and develop criteria for the prize.
After extensive research, the Everglades Foundation decided to move forward
with The Grand Challenge. Applicants for the $10 million prize will be
carefully screened, required to meet certain benchmarks, and have their results
monitored by an independent panel of scientists.
Formal launching of The Grand Challenge will take place in February 2015. We
expect the $10 million prize to be awarded by 2022. In addition, a series of
smaller prizes will be awarded to those who successfully contribute to the
process of removing phosphorus and finding other uses for recycled phosphorus.
Everglades Foundation Chief Scientist Dr. G. Melodie Naja, will oversee the research effort on behalf of the
Foundation. During the coming months, the independent panel of scientists will
be formed, criteria for success will be completed, benchmark timelines will be
structured, and an Everglades Foundation team will be in place to administer
The Grand Challenge.
"We are extraordinarily grateful for the generous $10 million gift to be
awarded to the winner of The Grand Challenge," said Dr. Maurice Ferr
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