Houston Daily

Two University of Houston (UH) projects have been selected as finalists in the $50 million Gulf Futures Challenge, a competition sponsored by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine’s Gulf Coast Research Program and Lever for Change. The challenge aims to find innovative solutions to critical issues affecting the Gulf Coast region. Out of 164 entries, 10 finalists were chosen based on their potential impact, ability to turn knowledge into action, and comprehensive approaches.

“Being named a finalist for this highly competitive grant underscores the University of Houston’s role as a leading research institution committed to addressing the most pressing challenges facing our region. This opportunity affirms the strength of our faculty and researchers and highlights UH’s capacity to deliver innovative solutions that will ensure the long-term stability and resilience of the Gulf Coast,” said Claudia Neuhauser, vice president for research at UH.

The first project, “Repurposing Petroleum Infrastructure for Sustainable Energy, Food and Critical Minerals,” focuses on converting unused offshore oil and gas platforms into assets for clean hydrogen production, aquaculture, data collection, and mineral harvesting. The ROICE program at UH is collaborating with the Gulf Offshore Research Institute on this initiative. Launched in 2022 as an experimental concept, ROICE now provides a space for researchers to develop ways to repurpose inactive wells, pipelines, and platforms along the Gulf.

The second project is called “Upcycling Wind Turbine Blades: Enhancing Coastal Community Resilience and Health.” This effort involves UH working with Tulane University, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, city of Galveston officials, and other partners. The team plans to use decommissioned wind turbine blades to build coastal habitats and improve public green spaces.

"Coastal communities face escalating threats from climate change — land erosion, structural corrosion, property damage and negative health impacts,” said Gangbing Song, Moores Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at UH and lead investigator for both projects. “Leveraging the durability and anti-corrosive properties of these of decommissioned wind turbine blades, we will build coastal structures, improve green spaces and advance the resilience and health of Gulf Coast communities through integrated research, education and outreach.”

Finalists represent all five Gulf Coast states: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Each team will receive a $300,000 development grant along with technical assistance before submitting revised proposals. Two winning teams will each receive $20 million in funding; up to eight others may qualify for additional support up to $875,000. Winners are expected to be announced in early 2026.

“The Gulf Futures Challenge finalists exemplify the bold thinking and community-rooted innovation needed to navigate the complex transitions facing our environment, economy and public health,” said Lauren Alexander Augustine, executive director of the Gulf Research Program. “We are proud to support their efforts and see them continue to build their ideas into action.”

Marcia McNutt, president of the National Academy of Sciences added: “The broad range of projects reflected in these bold proposals demonstrate the power that science, engineering and medicine can bring to drive transformative change in the Gulf. The work of these teams will not only advance solutions but also build a more resilient and durable future for Gulf communities.”