Schmidt Ocean Institute Expressions of Interest for R/V Falkor (too) ship-time (2025+)

About this program

Schmidt Ocean Institute (SOI) invites Expressions of Interest for collaborative, multidisciplinary shipboard research aboard R/V Falkor (too), offering free access to the vessel’s scientific facilities, robotics, high-performance shipboard computing, and operational and communications support for expeditions in SOI’s areas of operation from 2025 onward. EOIs are accepted on a rolling basis (reviews twice per year) and should align with SOI’s Strategic Framework priorities—such as seafloor mapping, biodiversity, ocean health, deep-ocean exploration, technology development, and human impacts—with applicants specifying requested berths (up to ~40 science party), ship time (standard 60 days; up to 4 months considered), and major equipment. Applicants must provide their own project funding for salaries, travel, shipping, and research analysis (SOI offers limited support for certain platforms, sensors, and open-access publication), commit to timely open data sharing and expedition outreach, identify the target EEZ and local partnerships, and secure required diplomatic research authorizations. EOIs may be submitted as a written 3‑page (.doc/.docx/.pdf) or 10‑minute video (.mp4/.mov/.avi/.wmv/.mpeg) to proposals@schmidtocean.org and must include project goals, tentative cruise plan, facilities/equipment needs, data-sharing plans, and community engagement strategies.