Launched at the ISA Assembly in July 2018, the Award recognizes and encourages 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. This unique initiative is sponsored by Monaco and Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd (TOML).
For the first time, in addition to a cash prize of US$4,000 and other benefits, the awardee will have the extraordinary opportunity to participate in the upcoming joint NORI-TOML environmental and exploration campaign in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean in November 2021, and to actively contribute to the diverse science and research programmes on-board the vessel.
The Secretary-General’s Award is one of the seven Voluntary Commitments made by ISA at the UN Ocean Conference in 2017 to advance the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources (#OceanAction15796). Since 2018, the prize has been sponsored by Monaco.
Nominations should be submitted with all supportive documents to sgaward@isa.org.jm on or before 15 July 2021. The name of the awardee will be announced on 24 July 2021. Details about eligibility criteria and the nomination procedure are available here.
