About Us

The Gulf of Mexico University Research Collaborative (GOMURC) unites the marine-related, University-based research consortium existing in each of the Gulf States, which represent over 60 public and private universities. The consortia include:

• The Alabama Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium
• The Florida Institute of Oceanography
• The Louisiana Universities Gulf Research Collaborative
• The Mississippi Research Consortium
• The Texas Research Consortium

GOMURC: enhances Gulf of Mexico coastal marine science, oceanography and related management programs through communications, education, research, and public outreach; promotes activities of educators, scientists, and agencies responding to state, regional, national, and international issues; and advocates for Gulf science and education with policy-makers.

The impetus for the creation of GOMURC was the BP Deepwater Horizon oil well blow-out and resulting oil spill in 2010, and the short-term and long-term response to that disaster is a significant, but not exclusive, mission of the GOMURC. GOMURC intends to develop and promote research initiatives and provide and coordinate infrastructure and personnel for marine research initiatives within the Gulf of Mexico that expand opportunities for GOMURC members. It will also support, lead, and participate in conferences and other opportunities to provide educational opportunities, as well as seek opportunities to collectively advocate to, and partner and collaborate with, local, state and federal organizations and authorities in opportunities that advance its.

GOMURC will support and facilitate the programs of scientists, educators, and students at institutions represented by the Principal Members. That support may include promotion of inter-institutional oceanography and its related sciences within the Gulf States and on a national and international basis with an important emphasis on the Gulf of Mexico; enhancement of the quality and scope of cooperative Gulf State educational and research programs; and provision of a forum within the Gulf States marine science community which can identify regional scientific and educational concerns, strategies, and expertise to encourage development of effective programs and policies addressing marine issues.

GOMURC is currently located on the campus of the University of South Florida's College of Marine Science in St. Petersburg, FL, and logistic support is provided by the Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO).