Expedition Awards
Building Capacity for Marine Species Discovery
The Ocean Census Expedition Awards provide support to taxonomists, biodiversity and community scientists who wish to take part in an existing expedition onboard a research vessel.
The aim of these awards is to support the logistics and equipment required to attend, alongside aiding in the discovery of more marine species. The total annual fund is $35,000 contributed by The Nippon Foundation and administered by the Ocean Census. Awards granted will be to a maximum of $7,000 USD.
Further information on the expedition awards can be found here.
The Ocean Census Announces 2025
Expedition Awardees
After receiving submissions from around the world, the Ocean Census is proud to announce the six recipients of the first-ever Ocean Census Expedition Awards – a new programme designed to accelerate global marine species discovery by directly supporting those on the front lines of ocean science.
From the tropical shallows of Brazil and the submarine caves of Japan to the deep-sea canyons of the South Atlantic and the channels of the Arctic circle, this year’s awardees reflect the diversity, ambition, and urgency of our shared mission.
What the Awards Support
Activities supported may include, but not be limited to
International flights
To reach the departure port of the vessel
Accommodation
Two nights pre and two nights post expedition max
Any pre-requisites or PPE required
E.g. sea survival certificate
Scientific Equipment or Consumables
Needed by the applicant. directly related to species discovery activities and not provided by the expedition hosts
Shipping of equipment and/or samples
Who Can Apply for the Awards Programme?
The awards can be applied for by anyone over the age of 18, including community scientists who are members of the Ocean Census Science Network. Applications of most nationalities are welcome; however, we are unable to make awards to the following:
Please note we can only review applications written in English. Awards are given to individuals and not institutions.
Essential:
- Passport (with at least 6 months validity from the end date of expedition), if required
- Visa for the country of departure (and arrival if different), if required
Preferable:
- Sea survival and sea-going medical (these can be completed using funds provided by the award if not already obtained)
- Insurance (this can be purchased using award funding if not already obtained)
- Previous expedition experience
Upcoming Awards Cycle
Applications
Open
00:00 BST
Thursday 22nd May 2025
Application
Deadline
17:00pm BST
Wednesday 18th June 2025
(Late applications will not be accepted)
Applications
Reviewed
As soon as possible
Outcomes
Shared
Within two weeks following the application deadline
Awardee Report
Submitted
Thursday 5th March 2026
Application
Process
1. Check Eligibility
Read the full guidelines to check your eligibility and ensure your research aligns with the Ocean Census mission and award criteria.
2. Submit your proposal
Provide details on your expedition science objectives, expected species discoveries, and budget breakdown. (Applications must be submitted in English.)
3. Review & Selection
The panel will select the successful applications based on the following criteria:
✔️ Quality of Application
✔️ Species Discovered
✔️ Capacity building
✔️ Knowledge exchange
✔️ Risk Mitigation
✔️ Experience with marine expeditions
The review process may involve interviews and / or further information requested by the Ocean Census team.
4. Awardee Expectations
Each award recipient will be required to submit a short report, including a financial report/summary, along with catalogue pages, data sheet and at least one image for each species discovered.
Join the census
The Ocean Census Alliance unites national and philanthropic marine institutes, museums, and universities, backed by governments, philanthropy, business and civil society partners.
