Applications Invited for Ocean Exploration & Discovery Grant

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About the Organization

For more than 130 years, the National Geographic Society has funded the best and brightest individuals dedicated to scientific discovery and understanding of our world.

Our historic commitment to dauntless exploration dates back to our founding in 1888 when 33 prominent scholars and scientists established an organization dedicated to the “the increase and diffusion of geographical knowledge.”

About the Grant

Throughout history, stories from oceanic expeditions, such as those led by National Geographic Explorers at Large Sylvia Earle and Bob Ballard, have left people with a sense of adventure and, most importantly, urgency for protecting our blue planet. The ocean today remains a source of discovery, capable of inspiring awe and curiosity about our world. It is critical that we continue to study and explore the global ocean’s lesser-known areas and processes if we are to learn from and protect it into the future. To do this, a collective approach is needed — one that brings together scientists from all regions of the world with their unique ideas, perspectives and solutions.

In 2022, a partnership between Schmidt Ocean Institute (SOI) and the National Geographic Society (the Society) was forged to advance ocean science and exploration. The goal of the partnership is to provide early career ocean scientists from around the world the opportunity to lead impactful projects that will explore, understand and inform the protection of the ocean. This partnership also builds on both organizations’ commitments to support leadership development in the ocean sciences and provide funding and access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure.

Under this partnership, the Society and SOI are recruiting and supporting early career scientists  who can take advantage of one berth space and the research infrastructure aboard SOI’s Falkor (too) research vessel during its 2026 season traversing the east coast of South America. Falkor (too) provides cutting-edge space for pioneering ocean research and technology development projects. The state-of-the-art research vessel has onboard laboratories, underwater robot and camera capabilities, a high performance computing system and the ability to trial and implement new tools for capacity development and ocean research. To cover travel and project related costs, the Society will award grants of up to $20,000 USD to selected research, conservation and/or technology projects. Awardees will also join the Explorer Community as National Geographic Explorers and have access to opportunities for training, capacity development and network building.

Who Should Apply

This highly competitive opportunity is best suited for early career scientists with experience in marine sciences and the ability to lead ship-based oceanographic science, deep sea research and/or other exploratory research with limited guidance. We define an “Early Career” professional as someone who is looking to establish themselves better in their field, and/or those seeking mentorship from others in their field and beyond. This funding opportunity is open to applicants over the age of 18. Please note that individuals who are already National Geographic Explorers cannot apply. Funding requests for this opportunity can be up to $20,000 USD. Projects can be up to one year in length and the fieldwork must occur in 2026.

In alignment with the outlined criteria, selected projects must occur in the identified regions Falkor (too) will traverse in 2026 and be compatible and/or aligned with at least one of the overarching expedition projects slated for the year. We will prioritize projects that align with overarching expedition projects slated for the year within the following subfields: Biogeochemistry, Mid-Water Biodiversity Exploration, Physical Oceanography, Mesophotic Ecosystems, Marine Technology, and Underwater Seamounts.

Candidates should propose work that does not require additional onboard team members besides existing Falkor (too) staff who can support logistical and technical needs with onboard instruments; we anticipate that a single berth will be available for this project.  We will also prioritize candidates who demonstrate that they would benefit from access to scientific infrastructure on Falkor (too) for which they normally would not have access, and who have strong local networks that will further project impacts.

How to Apply

The National Geographic Society is accepting applications for the Level I grants in support of the Schmidt Ocean Institute- National Geographic Society partnership. Full applications are due by October 8, 2025, 11:59 p.m. EDT.  Applicants must also upload a completed “Additional Information” form (provided here) to their application detailing their equipment and logistical needs.

All candidates will receive a decision on their application in December 2025. 

You may only submit one proposal for which you are the project leader. We only accept applications that are submitted through our online portal. Please do not mail or email your application.

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