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Building Research Initiatives and Dialogue for Greater Everglades Science (BRIDGES)

Restoration of the Everglades, and re-envisioning the South Florida ecosystem, is arguably the most ambitious, consequential, and expensive socio-ecological experiment in history. The resources and expertise needed to understand and forecast the dynamical responses of endangered and invasive species, water quality, flow patterns, and ecosystem processes align well with the interdisciplinary research capabilities at the University of Florida.

Building Research Initiatives and Dialogue for Greater Everglades Science (BRIDGES) seeks to harness those capabilities to better connect UF faculty to managers, decision makers, and researchers working in the Everglades.

 

Overview

The BRIDGES working group will be comprised of approximately 20 faculty selected following a rigorous application process. Starting in January 2026, members of the working group will convene for a full 12 months under the leadership of Dr. Nick Aumen, former Regional Science Advisor for the Southeast Region for USGS. Dr. Aumen has 35 years of experience and scientific background in the Greater Everglades restoration effort, which will provide a platform of connections and regional knowledge for the BRIDGES working group to actively pursue research opportunities with agencies. 

In connecting UF faculty to managers, decision makers, and researchers working in the Everglades, the BRIDGES working group will collaborate within the complex Everglades restoration governance. This governance structure has dozens of federal, state, and local government agencies, participation from Tribal leaders, academia, NGOs, and the private sector. The BRIDGES working group will help navigate this structure, particularly with respect to connecting with the specific science needs of Everglades managers.

Participation

As a BRIDGES working group participant, you will be connected to the rich dialog driving Everglades system science, learn from Dr. Aumen and other experienced mentors about current and emerging research needs, and make connections with other faculty and agency and NGO partners central to Everglades research decision-making.

The BRIDGES working group will convene:

  • 4 times in person during 2026 (in Gainesville, Jacksonville, and South Florida), with support from the Water Institute
  • Monthly for virtual meetings and webinars that span a wide array of topics relevant to the Everglades ecosystem science

QUESTIONS?

Darlene Velez
 UF Water Institute Research Coordinator
saindodd@ufl.edu

Selection Process

The selection process will focus on:

  • Disciplinary diversity (biological resources, hydroclimate, biogeochemistry and ecosystem science, ecological forecasting)
  • Prior research success
  • Career stage
  • Stated interest in applied ecological restoration

As a selected participant, you commit to attending all BRIDGES events, culminating in submissions of targeted research proposals to relevant agencies led by BRIDGES participants. 

By building awareness and relationships, we will enable UF faculty to aid the scientific support enterprise that underlays the largest restoration effort on Earth.