Would you like to take a journey that will inspire you and others to think differently about our oceans and seas?
From diving in the Marshall Islands to exploring the Arctic, the biannual David Henderson Inspiring Journey Grant aims to inspire public interest in the oceans and seas and to explore how we can ensure the human activity affecting them is conducted safely and sustainably.
What does the Grant involve?
Every two years the IMarEST supports the best idea for an original, exciting, and exceptional journey, giving the winner a £2,500 grant. It is important that the project takes you somewhere fresh, different and original.
Your journey needs really to matter to you, but also needs to be one that leads you to tell a story in a way that will inspire people to think about the oceans and seas, and perhaps think differently about the sea and how it is used. You will need to be able to tell the story of your journey via blog, vlog or written journal as well as through social media channels and in a final, well-articulated report.
Remembering David
This grant has been established in memory of David Henderson, who worked for the IMarEST from 2008 until his death in 2016 at the age of 31. David made an immeasurably positive impact on the lives of his colleagues and the Institute’s volunteers and members, with whom he worked very closely and tirelessly to support.
This grant is in memory of David’s spirit as an adventurer with a boundless passion for exploring other places – taking trips overseas, trekking across countries and taking part in all manner of sports and outdoor pursuits. This grant honours his desire for discovering the new as well as espousing the preservation of the oceans, something he worked very hard to protect through his role at the Institute.
How to apply
Interested applicants should complete the application form and send it to [email protected]. Applications should consist of a 500- word proposal for your journey, detailing the why this journey would be so inspiring for you and for others.
From the initial proposals, up to ten projects will be shortlisted by a panel of judges. Those selected will be asked to prepare a detailed proposal, with interviews to follow and the winner to be announced in January 2026.
Key dates
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Deadline for initial proposal - 31 August 2025
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Shortlist announced- 22 September 2025
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Interviews to take place - Early - Mid November 2025
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Winner announced - Early January 2026
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Journey to be completed by - 31 December 2026
