The mission of the International Phycological Society is focused on the development of phycology (the study of algae), the distribution of phycological information, and fostering international cooperation among phycologists and phycological organizations.
The Paul C. Silva Student Grants aim to support the academic and research pursuits of graduate students in the field of phycology. Named after Dr. Paul C. Silva, a prominent figure in algal taxonomy and an advocate for phycology, these grants provide financial assistance to promote international cooperation in phycological research. Each year, up to eight graduate students are awarded $500, which they can receive once per year to aid in their studies and research initiatives.