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MARINE TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY AWARDS & HONORS PROGRAM

Each year, MTS recognizes the noteworthy contributions of engineers, scientists, technologists, policy-makers, educators, and students who make a significant impact on their professions or communities. Awardees will be presented with a commemorative token of recognition and/or highlighted at an event - whether live or in-person - tailored to the specific award category. 

The nomination period for 2024 is now open! Award information, including nomination requirements and instructions, can be found below. Please submit nominations by May 31, 2024 to be considered. 

2024 MARINE TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY AWARDS INCLUDE:


2024 MARINE TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY AWARDS

COMPASS DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARD - Presented to any individual who has sustained a career marked by achievements that have had significant impact on the fields of marine science and technology; open to those from any country or territory. MTS Membership is not a prerequisite. The recipient will be awarded a plaque of recognition and bestowed with a lifetime membership to MTS. Self-nominations are not accepted.

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COMPASS ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD - Presented to a company, government agency, program, or non-profit organization for outstanding contributions to the advancement of marine science and technology; open to those from any country or territory. MTS Membership is not a prerequisite. The recipient will be awarded a plaque of recognition. Self-nominations are not accepted.

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JOHN P. CRAVEN MENTOR AWARD - This award is presented to any established MTS Mentor invoking the long and impactful career of John Pina Craven. It recognizes an MTS member who has demonstrated outstanding and sustained service to the field of marine technology through mentoring and is open to those from any country or territory. The recipient will be awarded a plaque of recognition and a lifetime membership to MTS. Self-nominations are not accepted.

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WALTER MUNK SCHOLAR AWARD AND COMMEMORATIVE LECTURE - Oceanographer Walter Munk was renowned for his significant contributions to the field of oceanography, which included pioneering work on predicting wave and surf conditions, underwater sound propagation, internal waves, and development of acoustic tomography. Established in 2019, the Walter Munk Scholar Award, jointly sponsored by the Walter Munk Foundation for the Oceans (WMFO) and MTS, pays tribute to Walter Munk's legacy of bold exploration and breakthroughs in ocean scientific and technological research, ocean education, or ocean conservation. This accolade acknowledges a scholar’s exceptional contributions in areas aligned with the mission of the sponsoring organizations and is open to individuals currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or postdoctoral program from any country or territory. MTS Membership is not a prerequisite. The recipient will be honored with a plaque recognition piece and requested to perform a webinar on their contributions. Self-nominations are not accepted.

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CAPTAIN DON WALSH AWARD FOR OCEAN EXPLORATION - 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 Membership is not a prerequisite and self-nominations are accepted. The recipient will receive framed photographs of Captain Don Walsh, a challenge coin, and a lifetime membership to MTS. 

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. 

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OCEAN NEWS AND TECHNOLOGY EARLY CAREER OCEAN PROFESSIONAL AWARD - Presented to an individual within 10 years of their last degree or designation, who is an MTS member in good standing, who has shown leadership in MTS, and who works in a professional capacity in management, engineering, or research and development in a marine technology field; open to those from any country or territory. The recipient will be awarded a plaque of recognition, $1,000 honoraria, and a two-year membership to MTS. Self-nominations are not accepted.

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SPECIAL COMMENDATION AND AWARD - This award is presented to an individual, group, or organization in recognition of outstanding accomplishments leading to significant advances in marine affairs and/or fulfilling the objectives and missions of MTS. Special MTS commendations may include outstanding individual Section, Committee, and Student Section contributions to the Society and open to those from any country or territory. The recipient will be awarded a plaque of recognition. Self-nominations are not accepted.

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MTS FELLOW - Designation as an MTS Fellow is one of the highest industry accolades. Since 1975, this title has been awarded to MTS members who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of the Society's objectives and who have distinguished accomplishments in their professional fields; open to those from any country or territory. Nominees must be a current MTS member, an MTS member in good standing for at least five years, and be sponsored by at least three MTS members in good standing. Please be sure to verify the membership status and contact information for all three sponsors prior to filling out the nomination. Recipients will receive a crystal recognition piece. Self-nominations are not accepted.

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NOMINATION DEADLINE- Please submit nominations by May 31, 2024 to be considered. 

ABOUT HONORARY MEMBERS - This honor is bestowed upon unanimous approval of the Board, to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the marine community and who have, through service to the community, acted in consonance with the objectives of the Society.

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