Welcome to the Cushman Foundation
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).
Recent News
JUST PUBLISHED!
Cushman Foundation Special Publication #49
Late Maastrichtian-Eocene Benthic Foraminifera of Brazilian Marginal Basins and the Western South Atlantic
Renata Moura De Mello, R. Mark Leckie, and Ellen Thomas
This beautiful new volume is an important contribution on benthic foraminifera in the western South Atlantic, documenting the Benthic Extinction Event at the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum. For the first time, a large-scale comparison of Maastrichtian–Eocene continental margin and deep-sea faunas is made possible through integration of data from industry wells along the Brazilian margin with DSDP Sites 356 and 20. Having 119 species descriptions and images, this publication will be a valuable resource for years to come.
Available at Store - Cushman Foundation (Knowledge Works Global)
Call for Applications for Student/Early Career Directors of the Cushman Foundation
The Cushman Foundation’s Board of Directors seeks applications from doctoral student and early career members of the Cushman Foundation to join the Board as a Student/Early Career Director for a two-year term, from Jan. 1, 2027–Dec. 31, 2029. Student Directors must have completed the first year of a PhD program. Early Career Directors must be within the first four years of having completed a PhD degree from the time of graduation to the start of the term of office.
Student/Early Career Directors have full voting rights and participation in the control and management of the property and affairs of the Foundation. One Student/Early Career Director is elected each year, and the term of office is two calendar years. Student Directors are expected to attend the Cushman Foundation’s annual business meeting, held on the day before the Annual Meeting of the Geological Society of America. This year, the Foundation’s Board meeting will be on Saturday, October 18, from 1:00-5:00, and we would like the newly elected Student/Early Career Director to attend. Travel, GSA registration, and hotel costs for the Student/Early Career Directors’ participation in Board and GSA Meetings will be paid for by the Cushman Foundation. Note that Directors are not eligible to apply for research or travel grants from the Foundation.
If you wish to apply, please send: 1) your curriculum vitae; 2) letter of recommendation from your Ph.D. advisor; and 3) a statement of your professional goals, your interest in the study of foraminifera, and why you would like to join the Board of Directors. Please email your application package to Brian Huber at huberb@si.edu by August 21, 2026.
AFTER FORAMS2026
The FORAMS 2026 conference has come to a close after a week of scientific exchange, collaboration, and reconnecting with colleagues from around the world. The Cushman Foundation was proud to support numerous students, enabling them to attend the conference and present their research. It was wonderful to see so many early-career researchers sharing their work and engaging with the international foraminiferal community.
Most members of the Foundation's Board of Directors were also in attendance, participating in scientific sessions, discussions, and Foundation activities throughout the meeting. One of the highlights of the conference was the conference dinner, which featured a presentation by Ellen Thomas and Johan Varekamp: "Two decades of salt marsh sea level rise studies by a deep-sea benthic paleontologist and a volcanologist".
Participants also enjoyed several field excursions, exploring the local geology and learning about the region's foraminiferal assemblages and geological history.
Finally, an important milestone for the community was reached with the vote to select the host city for FORAMS 2030. We are delighted to announce that Kraków, Poland, was chosen to host the next conference. We look forward to gathering in Kraków in 2030!
AN INVITATION TO STUDENTS TO JOIN THE CUSHMAN FOUNDATION!
The Cushman Foundation is pleased to welcome student members with a no-cost student membership category that includes an online-only subscription to the premier international journal on foraminifera, The Journal of Foraminiferal Research.
When requesting gratis memberships, students must complete this application form, which will include the name of their institution and the email address of their advisor for verification. This information will be confirmed by the Cushman Foundation business office at KnowledgeWorks Global Ltd. and then student members will be provided log-in information for journal access.
We look forward to your participation in our scientific community!
Past Events
TMS-CFFR FORAMINIFERA SPRING MEETING 2025
Discounted prices to CFFR and TMS members!! Online and in-person options are available.
Early-bird & abstract submission will be open from the 13th of January 2025 until the 7th of March 2025, and late registration will be available until the 7th of April 2025.
https://www.tmsoc.org/tms_cffr_registration_abstracts/
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to e-mail the local committee at foram.spring2025@gmail.com
Registration fees include the icebreaker (June 10), conference fees to attend scientific sessions (June 11-12) with two lunches, coffee breaks, and a conference gift. The Conference Dinner (June 11) and Field trip (June 10) are optional and require additional costs.
AFTER GSA CONNECTS 2025
The GSA Connects 2025 was a wonderful gathering, marked by three successful sessions hosted by our foundation, engaging discussions, and an enjoyable reception that brought our community together in the best way.
The reception was held at the iconic San Antonio River Walk. Attendees celebrated the 2025 The Joseph A. Cushman Award for Excellence in Foraminiferal Research Awardee, David W. Haig. We also enjoyed a lively raffle, and shared conversations about foraminifera and other topics.
We are especially proud to highlight the accomplishments of our Director, Maria Rose Petrizzo, the GSA 2025 James B. Thompson Jr. Distinguished International Lecturer, whose distinguishment added excitement to an already memorable conference.
A warm thank-you to everyone who attended and helped make this a truly great meeting.
Cushman Foundation Award Winners
To recognize outstanding achievement in research into the field of foraminiferology, the Cushman Foundation conducts many prestigious award programs. Awards have been established for students and professionals to promote research advancement.
Journal Of Foraminiferal Research
Journal of Foraminiferal Research
The Journal of Foraminiferal Research is the official publication of the Cushman Foundation, where original papers of international interest in foraminifera and allied groups of organisms. Online access to JFR is available to all active members of the Cushman Foundation.
Journal of Foraminiferal Research Special Issues
The Journal of Foraminiferal Research plans two special issues honoring the uncountable contributions of Marty Buzas to micropaleontology. Please consider contributing to these special issues by submitting appropriately themed manuscripts to the JFR online editorial system by February 1 or August 1, 2023. Contact jfreditorinchief@gmail.com with any questions.
Connect with us
Affiliated Societies
The Geological Society of America
AGI
Paleontological Society
Micropalaeontological Society
NAMS
SEPM
Donate to Cushman Foundation
The Cushman Foundation for Foraminiferal Research exists to promote research and provide a forum to publish scientific advancement of foraminifera and allied organisms. Please consider a donation to support our Foundation, in general, or to support a specific Cushman Foundation fund promoting awards and scholarship.