Ocean Exploration & Discovery - National Geographic Society and Schmidt Ocean Institute
Grants for early career ocean scientists to lead research projects aboard the Falkor (too) research vessel, advancing ocean exploration and technology in partnership with National Geographic Society and Schmidt Ocean Institute.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
National Geographic Society has archived this opportunity.
Funder: National Geographic Society
Due Dates: October 8, 2025, 11:59 PM EDT
Funding Amounts: Up to $20,000 USD per project; project duration up to 1 year; fieldwork must occur in 2026.
Summary: Supports early career ocean scientists to lead research projects aboard the Falkor (too) research vessel, advancing ocean science, technology, and conservation.
Key Information: Only one proposal per applicant; open to non-Explorers over 18; ship-based research along east coast of South America in 2026.
Description
This opportunity is a collaboration between the National Geographic Society and Schmidt Ocean Institute, supporting early career ocean scientists to lead innovative research, technology, or conservation projects aboard the state-of-the-art research vessel Falkor (too) during its 2026 expedition season along the east coast of South America. Awardees will utilize cutting-edge laboratories, underwater robotics, and high-performance computing, and will join the National Geographic Explorer Community, gaining access to training, capacity-building, and leadership development. Projects should align with one or more of the vessel’s 2026 expedition themes, such as biogeochemistry, mid-water biodiversity, physical oceanography, mesophotic ecosystems, marine technology, or underwater seamounts.
