Sustainable Seabed Knowledge Initiative
Call for taxonomy projects to describe deep-sea species
“One Thousand Reasons” – 2025 Edition
The first “One Thousand Reasons” campaign was launched on in May 2023, the International Day for Biological Diversity. The primary objective of that call was to support taxonomic research projects aimed at describing new deep-sea species. The call received an unprecedented response from 67 applicants from 21 countries. The ten selected projects led to the taxonomic description of 90 new species across the mineral exploration regions of the International Seabed Authority (Authority) and other deep-sea ecosystems in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
The “One Thousand Reasons” campaign opens the door for collaboration on the Authority’s commitment to generate a lasting legacy in deep ocean sciences: the description of at least 1,000 species new to science in areas beyond national jurisdictions by 2030.
Following the success of the first call, the Secretariat is now inviting taxonomic research project proposals from individuals from developing Member States of the Authority.
The Members States of the Authority, exploration contractors, international and regional organizations and academic or scientific institutions are invited to express their interest in collaborating with and/or hosting project proponents and/or sharing biological samples for taxonomic research with the Secretariat of the Authority. Expressions of interest can be submitted by 15 April 2025.
Background to the project
As a model example of concerted global efforts to advance scientific knowledge on deep-sea ecosystems and biodiversity in the international seabed area (the Area), the Authority jointly launched the Sustainable Seabed Knowledge Initiative (SSKI) with a range of partners in June 2022, building on ongoing collaboration with a wide range of scientific experts.
The overall concept of SSKI lies in fostering and coordinating a global collaborative platform to enhance deep-sea biodiversity research and capacity to inform decision-making processes and ensure effective protection of the marine environment in areas beyond national jurisdiction, especially in the Area.
Submission of proposals
Individuals and groups from developing Member States of the Authority are invited to submit proposals for taxonomic research projects that aim at describing new species from deep-sea habitats in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Funding will be available for undertaking taxonomic descriptions of deep-sea species, including access to biological collections, research facilities and/or taxonomic expertise. The grant will cover research costs related to laboratory analysis, data processing and analysis, bench fees (consumables, equipment, materials, overhead and institutional fees), personnel remuneration and publication and dissemination.
The results of the taxonomic projects will be published in open-access scientific journals. The information on newly described species will be included in the Authority’s DeepData database as well as the World Register of Marine Species database, as appropriate.
Proposals should be submitted using the application form and template. They must be accompanied by the applicant’s curriculum vitae and a letter of support from the home and/or host institution. The duration of the project should not exceed twelve (12) months, including the preparation of the manuscript(s) for publication. A maximum of USD20,000 will be available per project. Payments will be disbursed using a 70/30 per cent payment structure, with the final payment contingent on the delivery of the manuscript(s) for publication.
Proposals should thoroughly demonstrate the excellence of research results and scientific track record of the applicant. Project descriptions should reflect a clear methodology and a financial proposal, including a budget.
Proposals should be sent by 16 May 2025 to oemmr-secretariat@isa.org.jm. Selected projects will be announced on the website of the Authority in June.
Selection of proposals
Project proposals will be assessed by a panel of scientific experts who will assess expected outputs, duration of the project, budget, methodology, research excellence, scientific track record and a letter of support from the host institution.
The assessment results will be considered by the Secretariat and the World Register of Marine Species, who will select the projects to be awarded.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The research grant does cover travel expenses to visit research laboratories, scientific institutions housing biological collections and/or taxonomic experts abroad.
Applicants are expected to arrange access to biological samples for their research. The Secretariat will make efforts to facilitate contacts with institutions that expressed interest in hosting project proponents and/or sharing biological samples for taxonomic research.
The format for proposals and the application form are available online and should be completed by 16 May 2025.
Yes, citizens of the Member States can apply to study collections housed in non-Member States.
One Thousand Reasons
For any enquiries related to this call, please contact:
Ms. Luciana De Melo Santos Genio, Environmental Coordinator, ISA at lgenio@isa.org.jm