Funding Opportunity: Accepting Applications for 2026 Vembu Subramanian Ocean Scholars Award

About the Award

We are now accepting applications for the 2026 Vembu Subramanian Ocean Scholars Award, an annual funding opportunity supporting the next generation of ocean professionals.

Established in memory of Vembu Subramanian, a valued colleague and SECOORA Data Manager, this award provides students and early career professionals with the opportunity to engage directly with our community through mentorship, networking, and participation in the SECOORA Annual Meeting. View the full announcement and application details >>

Opportunity

We will select two recipients to attend the SECOORA Annual Meeting, taking place May 20–21, 2026, in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina.

Awardees will be paired with experienced mentors to support networking, provide guidance on career pathways, and facilitate meaningful engagement throughout the meeting.

Registration costs will be paid by SECOORA. Eligible travel expenses will be reimbursed directly to awardees following completion of the meeting. 

Applications are due Tuesday, April 21 at 5:00 PM ET.

Eligibility

Applicants must reside in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, or Florida and fall into one of the following categories:

• Category 1: Undergraduate Students – Students currently enrolled at a university, college or community college located within the SECOORA region. 
• Category 2: Graduate Students or Early Career Professionals – Graduate students who attend an academic institution OR early career professionals who have graduated within the past 5 years and are pursuing a career in the marine field in the SECOORA region. 

Request for Applications/Proposals 

Applications must follow the required format, use 12-point font and one-inch margins, and include the following materials: 

• Title Page
  • Applicant’s name and complete contact information (email, phone number, mailing address) 
  • Indication of Category 1 or Category 2 status 
  • Advisor name and contact information (i.e., professor supervising work) 
• Statement (500 words or less)
  • Provide a short statement that describes: Your interest or past involvement in marine, coastal, or ocean-related work 
  • Why you would like to attend the SECOORA Annual Meeting 
  • How participation in the meeting and mentorship opportunity will support your long-term career goals 
• Resume or CV (two page maximum) 
• Signed endorsement form from an advisor/mentor (all applicants) 

Submission 

Please submit the entire application package electronically in PDF format through egrants.secoora.org. The submission deadline is 5:00 PM ET, April 21, 2026.

Call for Mentors

We invite active SECOORA members to participate as mentors in support of the Vembu Ocean Scholars Award. Mentors play an important role in helping awardees navigate the Annual Meeting, build meaningful connections, and gain insight into career pathways within the ocean observing community.

Those interested in serving as a mentor are asked to complete a brief mentor expression of interest form. Mentoring is a meaningful way to support the next generation of ocean professionals.