Awards

RECOGNIZE EXCELLENCE

Awards & Honors

Celebrate the individuals, organizations, and innovations shaping the future of marine technology. MTS Awards & Honors recognize outstanding achievements, leadership, scientific contributions, and service that advance the global ocean technology community.

Celebrating leaders. Advancing innovation. Strengthening our community.

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.

Scroll below to explore our current list of awards and learn more about each opportunity.

Nominations are currently closed and will re-open March 2027.

MTS Awards & Honors

MTS 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.

MTS 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.

John P. Craven Mentor Award

Presented to any established MTS mentor invoking the long and impactful career of John Pina Craven.

Walter Munk Scholar Award & Commemorative Lecture

Presented to an individual whose work reflects the spirit of Walter Munk’s legacy—advancing ocean science and technology through bold exploration, innovation, and impact.

Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Exploration

Presented jointly by MTS and the Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) to recognize exceptional, ongoing international contributions to marine technology that advance ocean exploration.

Ocean News & 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.

MTS Special Commendation & Award

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.

MTS Fellow

Awarded to MTS members who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to the Society’s mission and distinguished accomplishments in their professional fields.