The International Seabed Authority is mandated to promote and encourage the conduct of marine scientific research in the Area and to coordinate and disseminate the results of such research. In line with this, the Secretary-General's Award for Excellence in Deep-Sea Research is intended to recognize and encourage the achievements of young researchers from developing countries who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of scientific knowledge of the deepsea environment or to the development of environmentally sustainable regulatory frameworks.
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 predominantly of eligible candidates. In such case, a team nomination may be submitted.
Only candidates under the age of 35 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 in French no earlier than one year prior to the date of submission.
Any individual or team that has previously received the Secretary-General's Award shall not be eligible for nomination.
Nominations and applications must be supported by two sponsors.and should be received no later than April 26, 2019.
Two letters from sponsors outlining the type and impact of the research carried out by the nominee and attesting to its significance and quality.
A five-member Advisory Committee is a voluntary committee, appointed by the Secretary-General, with responsibility for the evaluation of nominations and are recognized for their expertise in the field of 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.
An award will be presented to the successful applicant. The name of the winner will be announced at the annual session of the Assembly of the International Seabed Authority.