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. 

Only one completed nomination form will be accepted for each candidate. If a completed nomination form has already been accepted for your candidate, you will be notified. Only the information requested on this form will be used in the review of your candidate. Complete nomination packets are due by May 31.

Required Information

• Your contact information
• Contact information of nominee
• Nominee CV
• Statement of Nomination reflecting on the nominee’s contribution to the development, application, and propagation of marine technology toward the advancement of ocean exploration (4,000 characters or fewer, including spaces)
• Optional - You may upload an additional file to provide further information beyond the Statement of Nomination already submitted. This is encouraged and could include a letter of support, additional information about nominee, etc.

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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, 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 honorarium, and a two-year membership to MTS. Self-nominations are not accepted.

Only one completed nomination form will be accepted for each candidate. If a completed nomination form has already been accepted for your candidate, you will be notified. Only the information requested on this form will be used in the review of your candidate. Complete nomination packets are due by May 31.

Required Information

• Your contact information
• Contact information of nominee
• Qualifications - choose only those areas that apply. Please note that the relative strength of a nomination is not determined by the number of boxes checked. Limit the selection of qualifications to areas where the candidate’s contributions are outstanding. You will be required to provide a statement of justification for each qualification you select from the list below (2,000 characters or less, including spaces, per qualification selected):
• Leadership in MTS
• Advances in Research
• Advances in Development
• Advances in Design
• Advances in Manufacturing
• Contributions to Education
• Contributions to Administration in Academia, Government or Non-governmental organizations
• Contributions to Communications, Public Understanding of Technology and/or Technology Policy
• Contributions to Public Service
• Letter of nomination

SUBMIT A NOMINATION >>> 

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 in any membership category, a MTS member in good standing for at least five years, and be sponsored by at least three MTS members in good standing, one of which shall be a fellow. The Nomination must be supported by documentation that justifies selection, including a citation that highlights the nominee’s substantive volunteer contributions to MTS over a period of at least five years as well as their impact on the marine profession. 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.

Nomination Overview

• Nominee must be a current MTS member in any membership category and have been an MTS member in good standing for at least five (5) years.
• Nominee must be sponsored (nominated) by at least three (3) MTS members in good standing, one of which shall be a fellow. Sponsors’ signatures are required. The primary sponsor completes this form. The second and third sponsors provide their contact information.
• This Primary Sponsor Form must be accompanied by the nominee’s resume/ biographical material.
• This Primary Sponsor Form and all supporting material, including biographical material, must be submitted by the primary sponsor. Complete nomination applications and the Second Sponsor and Third Sponsor Forms must be submitted online no later than May 31. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• Nomination packages are valid for one year only.
• Rejected nominations may be reconsidered the following year.
• Nomination packages are considered final once submitted.
• A cover letter is recommended.

Application Components