About Us

About the Cushman Foundation for Foraminiferal Research, Inc.

The Cushman Foundation for Foraminiferal Research, Inc., was founded in 1950 by a group of dedicated scientists “to promote research on foraminifera and allied organisms” and to assure the publication of research results in its journal, originally the Contributions from the Cushman Foundation for Foraminiferal Research and now the Journal of Foraminiferal Research. These journals followed in the tradition of the Contributions from the Cushman Laboratory for Foraminiferal Research published from April 1925 to December 1949 by Joseph A. Cushman (1881-1949).

Membership in the Cushman Foundation supports this goal and benefits members in various ways. Membership dues chiefly support the publication of the Journal of Foraminiferal Research in print and online. With strong editorial leadership, the Journal of Foraminiferal Research publishes scientific articles of high professional standards, as reflected in the caliber of its articles, the superior quality of its reproductions and its high frequency of citation. An index of articles and directory of members is published annually in the October issue. A useful summary of recent publications on foraminifera appears in each issue. In addition, the Foundation publishes an actively growing series of Special Publications, many of which are currently available for purchase.

The Foundation sponsors the Cushman Foundation Symposium on timely research topics about foraminifera and allied organisms at the Geological Society of America Annual Meeting.

The Foundation's privacy policy and ethics statement can be viewed here.

Grants and Awards

Each year, the Cushman Foundation offers grants and fellowships:

• Research and travel grants for MS and PhD students
• Johanna M. Resig Fellowship for PhD students
• M. Ruth Todd graduate student and post-doctoral internship grant
• Research grants for early career researchers
• Research and travel grants for retirees
• Buzas Award for travel to the Cushman Collection

The many proposals received each year are judged on scientific merit and financial need by the Cushman Foundation’s Board of Directors.

In 1980, the Joseph A. Cushman Award for Excellence in Foraminiferal Research was established to honor major contributors to foraminiferal research. Many outstanding researchers have been honored since for their superlative accomplishments in foraminiferal research. The award is presented at a social evening during the Geological Society of America Annual Meeting.

The annual GSA W. Storrs Cole Memorial Research Award nominations are assessed by the Cushman Foundation.