ISA Secretary-General's Award for Excellence in Deep-Sea Research
Since 2017, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) promotes and encourages excellence of young researchers from developing States by recognizing the best of them through the ISA Secretary-General’s Award for Deep-Sea Research Excellence (#OceanAction40845).
This Award is supported by Monaco and is aimed at recognizing and encouraging the achievements of young researchers from developing countries who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of scientific knowledge of the deep-sea environment, or to the development of environmentally sustainable regulatory frameworks. Since 2020, with the support of Nauru Ocean Resources Inc. (NORI) and Tonga Offshore Minerals Ltd (TOML), the Awardee is also offered the opportunity to participate in an exploration and environmental campaign in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone.
Prize
- Cash prize: USD4,000
- Participation in an environmental exploration cruise in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (Sep-Nov 2023)
- Cost of attendance of Awardee to annual session of ISA’s Assembly
- Cost of participation of Awardee in one ISA’s workshops on matters of expertise
- Cost of publication fees of an article written by Awardee in a scientific journal (open access)
Eligibility
The Secretary-General’s Award is intended to recognize individual accomplishment. However, there may be cases where the research has been undertaken by a team consisting of eligible candidates. In this case, a team nomination may be submitted.
- Only candidates under the age of 45 at the date of nomination who are nationals of a developing country, as defined by the United Nations, are eligible to apply.
- The results of the research for which the nomination is submitted should have been published either in English or French no earlier than one year prior to the submission date.
- Any individual or team who previously received the Secretary-General’s Award shall not be eligible for nomination.
Nomination procedure
Nominations and applications must be supported by two sponsors and sent to sgaward@isa.org.jm no later than 15 May 2023.
The following documents should be attached to any nominations:
- A letter from the nominator summarizing the research and outlining the national or international significance of the work submitted. The letter should not exceed 750 words.
- The curriculum vitae of the candidate.
- Any publication derived from the research undertaken.
- Two letters from sponsors outlining the type and impact of the research carried out by the nominee and attesting to its significance and quality.
Advisory Committee
A five-member voluntary Advisory Committee has been appointed by the Secretary-General, responsible for evaluating nominations. All members are recognized for their expertise in deep-sea science (natural and/or applied), social sciences and humanities with experience in the law of the sea; international law; or management of marine resources.
Awardees
2019 Edition – Dr. Mauricio Shimabukuro, Brazil
ISA Secretary-General, Mr. Michael W. Lodge, and Head of the Monaco Delegation Mr. Tidiani Couma,
presented the 2019 edition of the ISA Secretary-General’s Award for Excellence in Deep Sea Research, to
Dr. Mauricio Shimabukuro of Brazil, at ceremony held during the historic 25th Session of the ISA
Assembly on 25 July.
Dr. Shimabukuro was congratulated by the Secretary-General for his extensive work on the ecology of the
South Atlantic and deep-sea exploration experience. He has published nine papers on topics of relevance
to the ISA, notably in the ecology of the South Atlantic, and he has also contributed to a book on
Brazilian deep-sea habitats.
2018 Edition – Dr. Diva Amon, Trinidad & Tobago
On 23 July 2018, ISA Secretary-General, Mr. Michael Lodge, presented the inaugural edition of the ISA Secretary-General’s Award for Excellence in Deep Sea Research at the 24th session of the Assembly of ISA. Dr. Diva Amon of Trinidad, a Deep-Sea Biologist, was cited for her extensive research and exploration experience at sea including ROV, AUV and submersibles cruises. Dr. Amon has been involved in several international projects designed to advance understanding of abyssal ecosystems and environmental impacts of human industrial activities in the deep sea. The results of her research and her passionate commitment to the field have been extensively commended by the scientific community
