2027 Accessing the Deep | Ocean Discovery League

2027 Accessing the Deep:

Virtual Deep Ocean Training & Mentoring Program
Low-Cost and Accessible Deep-Sea Research and Exploration

Applications Now Open!

Application Deadline: February 4, 2027 at 11:59 PM EST

Ocean Discovery League is now accepting applications for its 2027 virtual training and mentorship program for early-career professionals worldwide, with a focus on participants from the Americas (Northern, Central, and South America, and the Caribbean). This virtual training program will focus on fundamental technical and oceanographic knowledge, emphasizing low-cost, accessible methods for exploring depths greater than 200 meters.

ODL is seeking applicants who demonstrate:

Training or professional experience in marine science, oceanography, or related ocean-focused disciplines.
A genuine interest in deep-sea exploration and research.
Strong personal and professional motivation to participate in the program.
Demonstrates a clear vision for how this training could create impact within their community or in the context where they plan to apply their knowledge.
Availability to participate in the online training sessions.
The priority region for 2027 is Northern, Central, and South America, and the Caribbean.

This is an introductory online course that is designed for individuals with limited experience with deep-sea exploration, research, or conservation. If you already have a PhD or other extensive experience with deep-sea science, you should consider applying for the COBRA Early Career Deep-Sea Expedition Leadership Master Class and Fellowship.

After the online training, selected participants will be mentored by deep-sea or regional experts to develop deep-sea exploration project plans. This personalized guidance will prepare you to continue pursuing your deep-sea research goals.

The deep sea covers two-thirds of our planet, yet over 99% remains unexplored. Through this program, ODL aims to increase the number of participants and communities involved in deep-sea exploration. Let's explore together!

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Program Details

Timeline:

February 4, 2027 (11:59 pm EDT): Application period closes

March 15, 2027: Participants notified of selection

April 14, 2027: Training Program begins

June 30, 2027: Training Program ends

July 7, 2027: Mentorship begins for selected participants

November 30, 2027: Mentorship ends

Online Training: April 14 to June 30, 2027. 12 weekly virtual training sessions via Zoom will be held on Wednesdays at 1:00 - 3:00 pm EDT:

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT/AST (UTC-4)
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM ADT/ART/UYT/BRT (UTC-3)
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT (UTC-5)
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM MDT/CST-Mexico/Central America (UTC-6)
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM PDT/MST-Arizona (UTC-7)

Online Mentoring: Five months of online mentoring to support selected participants in developing localized deep-sea project plans and applications (July - November 2027). Details on the mentoring application process will be provided during the training. Only participants who have engaged in the Training Program will be eligible to apply for the Mentorship.

Format

During the online Training Program, each week, participants are expected to:

Actively participate in mandatory synchronous online training and discussion sessions conducted via Zoom. These sessions will be recorded and made available to program participants who are unable to attend live or wish to review the material.
Complete weekly assignments.
Interact with fellow participants and instructors through a WhatsApp group.
Maintain at least 80% attendance, complete weekly assignments, and actively engage in the program to qualify for a Certificate of Completion and be eligible for the Mentorship Program.
Use their own computing devices equipped with microphones, cameras, and internet access to engage in the program.
Agree to abide by ODL’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, which will be provided before the Training Program begins.

The online training content will be offered in English, and participants are expected to communicate in English. Participants selected for the Training Program may request a communication allowance of up to USD 150 to support internet bandwidth.

Midway through the Training Program, eligible participants will be invited to apply for the virtual Mentorship Program. Selected mentees will be partnered with a mentor and are expected to meet with their mentor at least once a month to further their professional deep-sea goals. Upon completing the Mentorship Program, each mentee will receive an honorarium of USD 500.

Application Materials

To apply, you will be required to:

Submit the application form below to help us understand your background and goals. We are interested in your experience and ideas in your own words and discourage the use of AI tools (ie. ChatGPT, Claude, etc.) to craft your application.
Upload a 2-page résumé.
Upload a statement from your advisor/supervisor approving your participation in the program to ensure your availability. This is not a letter of recommendation.

Due to US government restrictions, individuals and organizations on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons list ("SDN List") cannot be accepted to participate in Accessing the Deep.

Click Here to Apply