Louis M. Herman Research Scholarship
Forecasted
Louis M. Herman Research Scholarship supports graduate and early-career researchers studying cetacean cognition, perception, or humpback whale behavior and communication to advance understanding of marine mammals.
Funder: Society for Marine Mammalogy
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2028 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: USD $6,000 for the 2026 award; up to $500 additional conference travel support
Summary: Supports graduate and early-career researchers studying cetacean cognition and sensory perception, humpback whale behavior and communication, or other marine mammal cognition.
Key Information: Applicants must be current SMM members and graduate students or within three years of completing a Master’s or PhD.
Description
The Society for Marine Mammalogy’s Louis M. Herman Research Scholarship supports research that advances understanding of cetacean cognition and sensory perception, including laboratory and field studies, or humpback whale behavioral ecology and communication. Research on other marine mammals is also considered when it especially enhances understanding of their cognitive abilities.
Established in 2017 by Herman’s family, colleagues, and friends, the scholarship is awarded every two years to honor his legacy of innovative, creative, and scientifically rigorous research. Herman founded the Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory and co-founded The Dolphin Institute, contributing to dolphin and whale research, education, and conservation. The scholarship promotes projects that reflect or build upon his scientific interests and groundbreaking work.
