From Algae to Ecosystems: Arthur Grossman’s Visionary Science Honored
Grossman has spent his career pursuing big questions: What are the molecular mechanisms that enable plants and algae to make food from sunlight? How do symbiotic algae work together with coral? And how can powerful tools—like genetic sequencing—help us answer fundamental questions about life?
Throughout his four decades at Carnegie Science, Grossman has worked in many fields, including plant biology, microbiology, ocean science, and genetics. He has remained driven by a deep curiosity about the natural world and a passion for trailblazing new research frontiers—hallmarks of Carnegie Science’s approach to discovery.
He began his career studying photosynthesis—the process that allows plants and algae to turn sunlight into food. Focusing on single-celled algae like Chlamydomonas, he was among the first scientists to recognize that understanding these organisms at the genetic level could unlock significant insights into how photosynthesis works.
At a time when genome sequencing was still relatively new, Grossman led a major project to map the complete set of genes in Chlamydomonas. That work became a foundation for many discoveries in plant science. He later helped guide similar efforts for red algae—important in ocean ecosystems and for human food in many parts of the world—and for photosynthetic dinoflagellates, single-celled plankton found in marine and freshwater environments.
Grossman’s commitment to applying new technologies to longstanding biological questions led him to study corals and other marine organisms. He pioneered genetic tools for marine conservation—an increasingly urgent area of research—by investigating how coral reefs function at the molecular level. His research has helped scientists better understand the relationship between corals and the tiny photosynthetic algae that live within their tissues.
This partnership between coral and algae is a form of symbiosis—where two organisms live closely together and support each other. The algae use sunlight to make sugars and fats, which they share with the coral. In return, the coral provides the algae with a safe place to live. This mutually beneficial relationship forms the foundation of healthy coral reefs.
When ocean temperatures rise, this delicate balance can break down. Algae may be expelled from coral, leading to a process called coral bleaching. Without their algae partners, corals lose their main source of food and often die. Grossman’s work has helped reveal the molecular mechanisms behind this phenomenon, shedding light on how climate change is affecting these critical ecosystems and how we might protect them.
Grossman’s career is distinctive because of his approach, not just his science. He believes curiosity should guide research and that scientists should explore new ideas, even when they’re risky or unfamiliar. At Carnegie Science, he found an environment that supported this philosophy, giving him the freedom to pursue bold questions and follow them wherever they led.
He also values mentorship. Many of the students and researchers trained in Grossman’s lab have gone on to successful careers, and he continues to collaborate with them on new projects.
Beyond his lab, Grossman has contributed to the broader scientific community in many ways. He served as co-editor of the Journal of Phycology, a major scientific publication, and advised academic and industry organizations. His achievements have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Gilbert Morgan Smith Medal from the National Academy of Sciences and the Lawrence Bogorad Award from the American Society of Plant Biologists.
Now, with his election to the National Academy of Sciences, Grossman joins a group of researchers whose work has shaped modern science. The honor reflects his lasting impact on how we understand the natural world—from the tiny structures inside plant cells to the fragile ecosystems that depend on photosynthetic organisms.
Looking to the future, Grossman is especially excited about a growing frontier in biology: understanding how organisms live and interact as part of larger communities. While much of biology has traditionally focused on individual species in isolation, many scientists—including Grossman—are now turning their attention to the complex relationships that shape entire ecosystems.
These questions require a “big-picture” approach that combines genetics, physiology, ecology, and emerging technologies to reveal how life functions in the real world. Grossman believes that uncovering the molecular foundations of these relationships will require collaboration across disciplines and a willingness to think in new and creative ways.
He encourages the next generation of scientists to stay flexible, follow their curiosity, and explore a wide range of career paths—whether in academia, industry, or science communication.
Science, he says, is always evolving. And the key to progress is being open to change, ready to collaborate, and committed to uncovering the hidden connections that shape life on Earth.
