The Ocean Census Expedition Awards are now open
Publication
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.
Apply for an award via this form (Download Here)
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 (e.g. sea survival certificate) or PPE required,
- Science 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)
- Visa for the country of departure (and arrival if different)
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
Further information (Download Here)
Upcoming Awards Cycle
- Applications Open: Wednesday 28th May 2025
- Application Deadline: Wednesday 18th June 2025 – 17:00pm BST (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
- Check Eligibility: Read the full guidelines to check your eligibility and ensure your research aligns with the Ocean Census mission and award criteria.
- Submit your proposal: Provide details on your expedition science objectives, expected species discoveries, and budget breakdown. (Applications must be submitted in English.)
- 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. - 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.
Additional Guidelines & FAQ’s
Eligibility criteria and application process (Download Here)
Templates & Materials (Download Here)
Start Application (Fill in the form)
Complete your application by Friday 13th June 2025
Any questions?
Get in touch with the expeditions team: expeditions@oceancensus.org
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