Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration

Applications now open!

Deadline: 31 May 2026.

You can submit a nomination below

Conferred collaboratively by MTS and the Society for Underwater Technology, this accolade acknowledges exceptional and ongoing international contributions to the development, application, and dissemination of marine technology for the progress of ocean exploration.

It is open to individuals from any country or territory. It’s important to note that this award does not signify a lifetime achievement recognition.

MTS or SUT Membership are not prerequisites and self-nominations are accepted.

The recipient will receive framed photographs of Captain Don Walsh, a challenge coin, and a lifetime membership to MTS and Honorary Membership to SUT.

Don Walsh (1931-2023) was an American oceanographer, explorer, retired naval officer, and marine policy specialist. He and Jacques Piccard were aboard the bathyscaphe Trieste when it made a record descent into the Mariana Trench on January 23, 1960.

 

Only one completed nomination form will be accepted for each candidate. If a completed nomination form has already been accepted for your candidate, you will be notified. Only the information requested on this form will be used in the review of your candidate. Complete nomination packets are due by May 31.

 

Required Information

  • Your contact information
  • Contact information of nominee
  • Nominee CV
  • Statement of Nomination reflecting on the nominee’s contribution to the development, application, and propagation of marine technology toward the advancement of ocean exploration (4,000 characters or fewer, including spaces)
  • Optional – You may upload an additional file to provide further information beyond the Statement of Nomination already submitted. This is encouraged and could include a letter of support, additional information about nominee, etc.

 

The nomination process is competitive. Please be sure to include enough information about your nominee to provide the Awards Nominating Committee with a complete description of your nominee and his/her/their accomplishments.

Applications now open!

Deadline: 31 May 2026. You can submit a nomination below.

Awarded jointly by the Marine Technology Society (MTS) and the Society for Underwater Technology (SUT), this award recognizes outstanding, sustained, international contribution to the development, application, and propagation of marine technology toward the advancement of ocean exploration, ocean education or ocean conservation; open to those from any country or territory. Please note this is not a lifetime achievement award. Self-nominations are accepted.

Only one completed nomination form will be accepted for each candidate. If a completed nomination form has already been accepted for your candidate, you will be notified. Only the information requested on this form will be used in the review of your candidate.

PROPOSER DETAILS
NOMINEE DETAILS
Please write a statement reflecting the nominee's qualifications for this award (4,000 characters or less including spaces).
You may upload an additional file to provide further information beyond the information already submitted. This is encouraged and could include a letter of support, additional information about nominee, etc.
Max. file size: 64 MB.
By typing your name below, you are affirming that the information in this form is true and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief. TYPE YOUR NAME TO SIGN.

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