Along the iconic landscape of California’s Central Coast, the Chumash People have lived in harmony with the land and the sea for thousands of years. For the Chumash, the Pacific Ocean, or “Grandmother Ocean,” is a revered elder who nurtures and provides life, emphasizing the importance of stewardship and respect for nature. Last year, the … Continued
Ocean ecosystems are remarkably resilient. When coastal communities invest in restoring and protecting marine areas, they experience more sustainable fisheries, stronger local economies, and reliable food security. At the same time, these efforts have far-reaching impacts, protecting marine biodiversity, reducing storm damage, and capturing carbon to mitigate climate change—benefits that extend to everyone. But these … Continued
When Dr. David Baker opened his brand-new lab at the University of Washington in 1994, one of the first things he did was apply for a Packard Fellowship for Science and Engineering. At the time, the lab was small and experimenting with protein folding, understanding how amino acid chains fold into three-dimensional shapes that determine … Continued
Today, Congress certified the results of the 2024 election. This marks the completion of an election cycle that faced many challenges, including foreign interference and threats of violence. Yet despite all of this, we can take pride that our elections were executed safely, efficiently, and effectively – thanks in large part to the tremendous work … Continued
When the FDA approved the first birth control pill in 1960, it was a paradigm-altering moment in reproductive healthcare, giving women greater control over their reproductive lives. Sixty-four years later, another milestone arrived. For the first time in the United States, a daily birth control pill is available without a prescription, Opill. Opill is more … Continued
At the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, our call is to create and support enduring solutions to the interconnected challenges that face humanity and nature. Central to this mission is support for scientific inquiry, which often seeks to answer fundamental questions about the world and is essential for laying the groundwork for future breakthroughs and … Continued
Anyone who has wandered by the glowing exhibits of mesmerizing jellyfish or seen children press their noses to the glass of the iconic Kelp Forest exhibit can understand why the Monterey Bay Aquarium is beloved by children and adults alike worldwide. Beyond offering extraordinary experiences that inspire awe and wonder, the Aquarium is also a … Continued
In the Temusai Kuras village in Siak District, Indonesia, rows of spiky plants span the peatlands. These are Mahkota Siak pineapples, a dwarf variety with a red crown base that lightens when it’s ripe. But what these pineapples lack in size, they more than make up for in the critical role they serve in protecting … Continued
A region renowned for its rich biodiversity and dense tropical rainforests, Southwest Papua in Indonesia is home to many Indigenous communities who have stewarded these lands for generations. In a series of landmark victories, several Indigenous communities across Southwest Papua have recently achieved the long-sought recognition of their land rights. With official recognition of their … Continued
The vast depths of the ocean, teeming with mysterious animals and unknown phenomena, remain one of the least explored environments on Earth. Though much is left to be understood about the ocean, its processes, and inhabitants, the groundbreaking work of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) has been revealing new insights and discoveries since … Continued