Bil Loth Ocean Decade

Established in memory of Bil Loth, this award encourages research and development projects that explore transformative solutions for sustainable development in the oceans.

The United Nations’ Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development aims to reverse the cycle of decline in ocean health and gather ocean stakeholders worldwide behind a common framework for sustainable development of the ocean.

The Bil Loth Ocean Decade Award aims to further the Ocean Decade's mission by awarding £400 to a maximum of two students or graduates of an IMarEST-accredited institution or degree course. The winners will have put forward a proposal for a research and development project that examines innovative solutions for sustainable ocean development.

The winning project will convey originality and include outcomes that contribute to the mission of the Ocean Decade.

Who is eligible?

Individuals must meet both of the following criteria:

  1. A current Student (SIMarEST) member or Associate Member (AMIMarEST) of the IMarEST (members on our Career Development Pathway with Associate Membership are included)
  2. A graduating or research student from an IMarEST-recognised degree programme

In Memory of Dr William D Loth 

Bil Loth, the 102nd President of the IMarEST, was a pioneer in the specialist area of subsea technology in the offshore oil and gas industry. After a career that involved developing technology that provided the basis for deepwater production systems around the world, Bil set up his own company, WD Loth & Co, focusing on the development of low-cost subsea equipment.

Bil went on to devote much of his energy into teaching. His significant efforts to help and inspire students are continued with the Bil Loth Ocean Decade Award. This award has been made possible by kind donations from the family and close friends of Bil Loth, who sadly passed away on 1 August 2021.

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How to apply

Applications must be submitted by the project supervisor, with the endorsement of the Head of Department/School of the IMarEST-accredited University or Institute. Please note only one nomination will be accepted from each institution and it is each institution's responsibility to select their singular applicant.

Each of the nominated applicants will need to provide the following:

  1. Completed application form which is endorsed by the project supervisor
  2. Reference form from the project supervisor, highlighting the student’s personal qualities, academic and project achievements
  3. Submission from the student, written in the style of an IMarEST journal paper, that exemplifies how the project scope and deliverables contribute towards identified themes in the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development - the paper should highlight the original, innovative ideas and results to address the identified issues

Please send all application material to [email protected] by 30 September 2024.

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to a short, informal online interview with the final judging panel.