The MarineBear Award

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Terms & Conditions

About The MarineBear Award

Apply now for The MarineBear Award!

This £800 award from the Brun Bear Foundation will support an outstanding conservation technology project focused on marine conservation

Whether you are working to monitor marine ecosystems and their inhabitants, prevent human-marine life conflict, research the impacts of climate change or pollution on marine populations, or address other critical marine conservation challenges, we want to hear from you.

To apply, submit the official online form via the following link. The form includes fields for personal information and project details. Applicants should ensure all required fields are completed accurately. For CV and other supporting documents, please follow the instructions provided at the end of the form for separate submission.

The trustees of The Brun Bear Foundation do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, creed, gender, sexual orientation, disability or national/ethnic origin.

Who can apply?

This award is open to all applicants using conservation technology to research or protect marine life. Importantly, it is available to applicants at all stages of project development, whether you are beginning to explore a new idea for applying conservation technology to marine research or are involved in an established project that is actively working towards results. Applicants of all skill levels, stages of development, and professional or academic affiliations (including independent conservation tech developers) are welcome to apply.

Please elaborate on the project requirement

This award is ideal for projects addressing marine-related issues such as:

• Habitat loss and destruction
• Human-marine life conflict
• Climate change impacts on populations and habitats
• Predator/prey interactions
• Population surveys
• And much more

No matter how or where you are using conservation technology in your work with marine life, this award can support the essential components needed to advance your project. You may need funding to purchase new technological equipment like underwater cameras or improve current equipment. Alternatively, you might use the award to access critical resources, tools, or training. If your team faces other challenges that hinder the successful deployment or exploration of new technologies—such as lacking the gear required to reach study sites, navigating expensive permits, or needing specialised expertise that exceeds your current budget—we want to know how an £800 award could help bring those pieces together.

The selected awardee will receive the following support from The Brun Bear Foundation:

An £800 award from The Brun Bear Foundation to contribute towards the resources needed to advance your project, including new equipment and access to essential tools
A platform to share and publish progress and results with project coverage through The Brun Bear Foundation and its advisors' various content channels. Publishing and knowledge-sharing options include virtual events, case studies and interviews.
Support to ensure your project updates and results have a far-reaching impact within the marine conservation community and beyond

Key dates and process

Applications must be submitted before 20 January 2025 at 17:00 GMT
Applications must be submitted through the official online form on the MarineBear Award webpage, which can also be accessed here The form includes fields for personal information and project details. Applicants should ensure all required fields are completed accurately. For CV and other supporting documents, please follow the instructions provided at the end of the form for separate submission.
The selection process will follow, including possible video calls with candidates
One winning participant will be announced as the Awardee by The Brun Bear Foundation
All of our processes are conducted in English. We strive to use clear and simple language and are happy to clarify any points that may be unclear.
As a general rule, we are unable to provide individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

What information should I have in place before I apply via the official online form?

A detailed description of your proposed conservation technological project.
Information on how your project supports marine conservation or research using conservation technology
Evidence of previously demonstrated viability (e.g. field, lab, personal trials, modelling or past experience).
A clear timeline showing how your project could reach field testing, deployment or use within one year
A budget outlining how the award funds (up to £800) would be used
Your commitment to engaging with a mentor and the broader conservation tech community
Your plan for documenting your work and processes

Who makes up your selection committee and how do you ensure a fair evaluation of applications?

Our selection committee comprises renowned experts in marine conservation, technology, and sustainability, ensuring a fair and knowledgeable evaluation process.

Dr Beverley Mackenzie is the Director of Marine Environment at BIMCO (Baltic and International Maritime Council), a position she has held since January 2022. With over 20 years of experience in the maritime sector, Dr Mackenzie has developed extensive expertise in marine environmental issues, particularly focusing on ballast water management, biofouling, and underwater noise. Her role at BIMCO involves leading the organisation's efforts in addressing environmental challenges faced by the shipping industry. Prior to joining BIMCO, Dr Mackenzie held significant positions at IMarEST (Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology), including Head of Technical and Policy. Her academic background includes a PhD in Marine Biology from the University of Southampton, which has provided her with a strong scientific foundation for her work in maritime environmental policy. Dr Mackenzie's combination of scientific knowledge and industry experience makes her eminently qualified for a selection committee focused on marine conservation and technology.

Dr Olive Heffernan is a freelance science journalist and lecturer specialising in ocean and climate science communication. With a background in fisheries science, studying overexploited cod stocks in the Northeast Atlantic, Dr Heffernan transitioned into science journalism and has since become a respected voice in the field. She has contributed to numerous prestigious publications, including Nature, WIRED, New Scientist, and Scientific American, covering topics related to oceans and climate change. Dr Heffernan's career highlights include serving as the founding chief editor of the research journal Nature Climate Change and working as an editor with Nature Publishing Group. Currently, she teaches science communication with a focus on climate change at Johns Hopkins University. Dr Heffernan has written a book about the high seas, which examines the intricate relationship between humans and the vast areas of ocean that are not owned by any nation. Her expertise in marine science, coupled with her extensive experience in science communication, makes her an ideal candidate for evaluating projects that combine marine conservation, technology, and effective communication strategies.

How do I apply?

To apply to this award, follow these steps:

Make sure you're familiar with the award's Terms & Conditions at the foot of this page.
Submit your application through the official online form here
The form includes fields for personal information and project details.
Applicants should ensure all required fields are completed accurately.
For CV and other supporting documents, please follow the instructions provided at the end of the form for separate submission

What happens if my application

is successful?

You will be notified of your selection as the Awardee
You will need to execute an Award Letter with the Brun Bear Foundation

You will be required to:

Develop the proposed project
Create a project and communications plan for upscaling
Provide quarterly updates on project progress
Participate in two interviews with the Brun Bear Foundation
Appear at a Brun Bear Foundation virtual event
Produce a concluding case study at the end of the Award year
Provide ongoing yearly updates on the project's continuation or publication

If I am unsuccessful can I reapply?

We don't have a fixed stance on reapplications. We would normally encourage applicants to significantly develop or alter their proposals if they do choose to reapply in a future cycle

We will consider previous proposals from previously unsuccessful applicants in future cycles if extenuating or exceptional circumstances can be evidenced at the time of the original application
As a general rule, we are unable to provide individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

How and when will The MarineBear Award be paid?

The MarineBear Award will provide a maximum of £800, based on the budget included in the winning proposal
Specific dates of payment will be outlined in the Award Letter
Payment is likely to correspond with activities and deliverables as specified in the Award Letter
The award will cover a duration of one year, beginning on the date specified when the Awardee is selected.

Please note:

Monies will only be transferred by bank-to-bank transfer. Any bank charges will be borne by the recipient.
In accepting the award, the award winner agrees to take part in promotional activity to publicise the Award when requested by The Brun Bear Foundation.

If at any point the candidate feels unable to complete the project, or seeks a variation in its
scope, please note the following:

Project scope flexibility: Minor adjustments to the project scope may be considered on a case-by-case basis, but significant changes are generally not permitted. Any proposed changes must be communicated in writing to The Brun Bear Foundation as soon as possible.
Inability to complete the project: If an awardee finds themselves unable to complete the project, they must immediately notify The Brun Bear Foundation in writing, explaining the circumstances.
Review process: Upon receiving notification of desired changes or inability to complete the project, The Brun Bear Foundation will review the situation and may request additional information or clarification.
Decision: After review, The Brun Bear Foundation will decide whether to approve the requested changes, seek alternative solutions or potentially terminate the award. This decision will be communicated to the awardee in writing.
Potential repercussions: Depending on the nature and timing of the changes or project termination, The Brun Bear Foundation reserves the right to request partial or full repayment of awarded funds.

Terms and conditions

MarineBear Award Terms and Conditions
The following terms and conditions (the “Terms & Conditions”) shall apply to the MarineBear Award 2025 (the “Award”) being awarded by The Brun Bear Foundation (“The Brun Bear Foundation”). The Brun Bear Foundation may be referred to as the “Sponsor.” By submitting an application for consideration, the submitting individual or entity (hereinafter referred to as “you”) hereby agrees to the following Terms & Conditions.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Article 1 - General Terms
This process is a request for proposals by the Sponsor for new ideas that support marine conservation or research through the use of conservation technology.
Article 2 - Eligibility for Participation
1. The Sponsor encourages broad participation in the Award. To be eligible for participation, however, you must meet the following requirements:
a. Individuals must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and the age of majority in their jurisdiction of primary residence at the time of submission. Proof of residency and age may be required.
b. The Brun Bear Foundation, and their respective affiliates, and all of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and representatives, and immediate family members are not eligible to participate in the Award.
Please note that it is the obligation of any individual or entity participating in the Award to comply with all laws, rules and regulations of the jurisdiction of which such individual or entity is a legal resident/national or otherwise organised.
2. Sponsor has the right to disqualify or reject any Participant from participation in the event it determines, in its sole discretion that participation by such Participant is in appropriate, contradicts these Terms & Conditions, or otherwise could negatively affect Sponsor or other involved parties.
Article 3 - Award
1. Background information
A. Each submission shall contain a proposed conservation technological project (the “Project”) that supports marine conservation or research using conservation technology.
B. A detailed description of the award topic will be made available through various channels, including but not limited to the sponsor's website, as determined by the organisers.
C. One project will be selected for the MarineBear Award.
2. Format and Specifications:
All Projects shall be in English, and in the formats described on the dedicated MarineBear Award webpage. Only those Projects that comply with the format requirements and provide all information as requested on the application form will be considered for the Award, and Projects submitted in any other format may be disqualified.
3. Judging Criteria:
Projects will be assessed based on how well they meet the following criteria:
● The proposed project to be supported by the Award will support marine conservation or research through the use of conservation technology. All projects should address a specific challenge relating to marine conservation or research and be able to demonstrate how this award will further their efforts. Applicants should specify what specific aspects of their project these award funds could be used for, i.e. new equipment underwater cameras, access to resources, etc.
● Submitted projects should have some previously demonstrated viability in the field, lab, personal trials, through modeling, or through past experience. Projects that could realistically reach field testing, deployment, or use by the end of one year are ideal; however, we also encourage projects that can make significant progress toward development or scalability to apply.
● The Award applicant demonstrates commitment and enthusiasm for engaging with a mentor and the broader conservation tech community, and understands how these can be leveraged to support their work
● The Award Applicant demonstrates commitment to documenting their work and processes effectively so that others can learn from their efforts and can input to support problem solving
● Applicants of all skill levels, stages of development, and professional or academic affiliations (including independent conservation tech developers) are welcome to apply.
4. Compliance with Law:
All applications submitted by Participants must comply with applicable law. PARTICIPANT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL REQUIRED APPROVALS, CONSENTS AND AUTHORISATIONS, IF ANY, THAT MAY BE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS APPLICATION PROCESS AND THE AWARD.
5. Timeline:
All applications must be submitted before 20 January 2025 at 17:00 pm GMT. Applications must be submitted through the official online form linked on the MarineBear Award webpage. The form includes fields for personal information and project details. Applicants should ensure all required fields are completed accurately. For CV and other supporting documents, please follow the instructions provided at the end of the form for separate submission.after which the application process will be closed and no additional Projects will be considered.
6. Selection of Winning Projects:
a. After closure of the process, the Projects will be assessed by a selection committee consisting of representatives from The Brun Bear Foundation and experts drawn from the fields of marine conservation, marine science and those with a professional familiarity with the latest developments in sustainability and environmental stewardship within the maritime sector. Applications will be assessed by the following key metrics:
● Potential for Conservation Impact - The project demonstrates potential for impact in a conservation issue related to marine conservation, or shows potential for helping others in the maritime conservation tech community (i.e. through the development of an open source tool, through case studies or other content sharing applicable lessons learned, etc.)
● Potential for Personal Impact upon the Participant - Being selected as an Awardee would have an impact on factors like career path trajectory, professional development, networking, or community engagement.
● Potential for Success - This project shows significant potential for success; however, success is not necessarily defined only by completed deployment and final results. Success could also include, for example, having the opportunity to test a new tool in the Participant’s marine conservation work. The selection committee will consider how “success” varies depending on Participants’ skill levels and goals.
● Potential for Innovation - While projects of all development stages and skill levels are welcome to apply, the selection committee will take into consideration any projects that demonstrate innovative technology that could push the marine conservation tech field further or lead to additional impact through innovation.
b. Prior to selection, Participants may be called upon to provide further details regarding their submissions, either in the format of a video call or otherwise as determined by the Sponsor.
c. At the conclusion of the selection process and following any necessary candidate interviews, one winning Participant will be announced as the Awardee by The Brun Bear Foundation.
The Sponsor reserves the right to change the timeline indicated below if necessary. The Sponsor will endeavour to publicise any material changes to the timeline, for example via social media or on The Brun Bear Foundation website.
Article 4 - Intellectual Property Rights
1. All rights, title and interest in and to the intellectual property and/or proprietary rights in or related to an application shall belong to and remain exclusively with the Participant.
2. As a condition of Participation, the winning Participant grants The Brun Bear Foundation a royalty-free, non-exclusive, non-sublicensable, non-transferable licence to use, publish, disclose and publicly display information relating to the Project in order to help publicise the Award, The Brun Bear Foundation, and the Project and to help pursue the Project’s further development in close cooperation with Participant.
3. The winning Participant shall indemnify and hold harmless The Brun Bear Foundation and its advisors from and against all claims, demands, actions, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including legal fees) arising out of or relating to the applications and Projects submitted to The Brun Bear Foundation. This includes, without limitation, any claims pertaining to the intellectual property rights of third parties, negligence, or breach of contract. The winning Participant shall also have a duty to defend The Brun Bear Foundation and its advisors against any such claims, provided that The Brun Bear Foundation promptly notifies the winning Participant of any claims made against it..
4. The Participants are not permitted to use the trademarks of The Brun Bear Foundation unless The Brun Bear Foundation, as appropriate, have granted its prior written consent thereto.
5. Further provision regarding intellectual property, including as to pictures and other media relating to the Project, will be included in the award letter entered into with the winning Participant.
Article 5 - Awards
1. One winning participant, referred to as an "Awardee," will receive a maximum of £800, based on the budget included in their submitted proposal. The disbursement of funds is contingent upon the Awardee’s execution of an Award Letter with The Brun Bear Foundation, which will specify the amount to be provided and outline the following requirements:
A. The development of the proposed Project
B. Development of a project and communications plan for further upscaling of the Project to make the lessons learnt and application
C. The provided grant will include any possible other costs such as VAT, working hours, etc. These costs should be clearly articulated in the proposed budget.
D. Specifics on the dates of payment, the corresponding activities and deliverables, reporting requirements and terms related to the intellectual property rights.
The Award will also require that the Awardee provides:
A. Quarterly updates on the progress of the supported project, either through blogging, video updates, papers, livestreams, or other media (These updates will be shared through The Brun Bear Foundation’s various content channels)
B. Two interviews with The Brun Bear Foundation to begin and end the Award period
C. At least one appearance at a Brun Bear Foundation virtual event to highlight your project
D. A concluding case study at the end of the Award year, summarising the project’s development, successes, next steps, etc.
E. Ongoing yearly updates on project’s continuation or publication (if applicable)
These products are required for the duration of one year, beginning on the date specified when the Awardee is selected.
2. Nothing in these Terms and Conditions shall be construed as requiring the Sponsor to market or otherwise support the winning Projects beyond the requirements of the aforementioned grant agreement.
Article 6 – Privacy
1. The Sponsor will comply with all applicable privacy laws in conducting and administering the Award.
2. By applying for the Award, Participants consent to The Brun Bear Foundation sharing personal data (in case this is provided in the proposal) with third parties insofar as this is required for the proper execution of the Award.
Article 7 – Sponsor Representations; No liability
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE BRUN BEAR FOUNDATION AND ALL OTHER PARTIES WORKING WITH SPONSOR TO ADMINISTER THIS CHALLENGE MAKE NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES WHATSOEVER, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE CHALLENGE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY: WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY; WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE; OR WARRANTY AGAINST INFRINGEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OF A THIRD PARTY, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED BY LAW. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE SPONSOR AND/OR ANY OR ALL OF THEIR RESPECTIVE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, REPRESENTATIVES, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS BE LIABLE TO PARTICIPANT OR TO ANY THIRD PARTY FOR ANY LOSS OF USE, REVENUE OR PROFIT OR LOSS OF DATA OR DIMINUTION IN VALUE, OR FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, SPECIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES WHETHER ARISING OUT OF BREACH OF CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE) OR OTHERWISE, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH DAMAGE WAS FORESEEABLE AND WHETHER OR NOT SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, AND NOTWITHSTANDING THE FAILURE OF ANY AGREED OR OTHER REMEDY OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE.
Article 8 – Release; Indemnification
By participating in the Award, the Participant agrees:
1. To release and hold harmless Sponsor, and their respective affiliates (including, without limitation, all members of the adjudication panel), contractors, subcontractors, partners and any other organisations involved in the administration of the Award, and all of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives, successors and assigns (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from and against any and all liability, losses, damages, costs, expenses, and claims of any kind (including attorneys’ fees) (“Losses”) arising out of or relating to Participant’s application for or participation in the Award, including, without limitation, the acceptance or rejection of an application, the creation or submission of a Project or the copying, displaying, performance, use or exploitation of a Project by the Released Parties; and
2. To indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all third party claims, actions or proceedings of any kind and from any and all Losses arising out of or relating to (i) any breach or alleged breach by Participant of any of the warranties, representations or other provisions herein or (ii) Participant’s participation in the Award, submission of a Project, or acceptance, use, or misuse of granted funds.
Article 9 – Participant Representations and Warranties
By participating in the Challenge, the Participant represents and warrants to The Brun Bear Foundation as follows:
1. Participant has all rights, title and interest in the Project;
2. The Project is the Participant’s own original work and was created solely by Participant (or all of the members of the Participant team);
3. As of the date of submission, the Project is not the subject of any actual or threatened litigation or claim;
4. The Project has not been previously licensed, sold, used, published, released, distributed or otherwise exploited;
5. Submission and use of the Project by Participant and/or Sponsor does not, and will not, violate any contract or third party rights, including any patent, copyright, trade secret, trademark, privacy, publicity, or other personal or proprietary rights of any individual or entity;
6. The Project as submitted and implemented does not and will not violate any applicable laws; and
7. The information submitted by the Participant in connection with the Project is accurate and complete.
Article 10 – Miscellaneous
1. Questions, comments and complaints about the Award or the Terms & conditions can be sent to team@brunbearfoundation.com
2. Conflicts will be solved in an amicable manner as far as possible. Any legal conflicts arising out of or in relation to the Award will be governed by English law and the courts of England and Wales shall have jurisdiction in relation to any dispute.
3. The Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, suspend, or modify the Award, or any part of it, if any fraud, technical failures, or any other factor beyond Sponsor’s reasonable control impairs the integrity or proper functioning of the Award, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. The Sponsor’s failure to enforce any provision of these terms shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. If, for any reason, any application or other information is confirmed to have been erroneously deleted, lost, or otherwise destroyed or corrupted, the Participant’s sole remedy is the opportunity to submit another Project.
4. The Sponsor has the right not to award any applicant, or to end, interrupt, or change the Award without prior notifications and to amend the Terms & Conditions and awards at any time. Such actions by Sponsor shall not entitle Participants to any financial compensation. The Sponsor encourages Participants to consult the latest version of the Terms & Conditions on a regular basis.
5. These terms and conditions, together with the terms set forth on the The Brun Bear Foundation webpage, the Terms of Use, the Privacy Policy, Accessibility, and the other agreements incorporated by reference herein, contain the entire agreement between the parties hereto relating to the WILDBEAR Award.
Contact details:
The Brun Bear Foundation – team@brunbearfoundation.com
London, UK, 22 September 2024