We are delighted to announce that we are now accepting applications for the 2027 Deep-Sea Expedition Leadership Master Class! Applications are due October 1, 2026. Please find more information on the COBRA website.
The centerpiece education activity of COBRA is a “Master Class” that trains early career researchers (ECRs) in deep-sea expedition planning from start to finish. The Master Class – delivered virtually and ending with an in-person event over the course of 12 weeks – is designed to equip participants with the skills and tools to successfully design, propose, execute, and report on deep-sea oceanographic field research with a collaborative approach. Topics covered include reviewing the types of assets for conducting deep-sea research and exploration, funding and proposal writing tips, developing concepts through respectful and reciprocal engagement with others, cruise preparation how-to, at-sea operations planning, using telepresence for research and outreach, permitting and reporting, data management, and ocean law.
The 2027 Master Class will be held for 12 weeks beginning January 12, 2027 and ending April 14, 2027. The first 11 weeks will be held as synchronous virtual sessions on Tuesdays from 12:00-2:00PM US Eastern time using Zoom, and the final week will be held in person April 12-14 at the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in the U.S. State of Maine. In addition to these mandatory synchronous sessions, asynchronous learning and networking is supported by the Master Class website intranet and a dedicated Slack channel. NOTE: Please do NOT apply if you cannot commit to attending the synchronous virtual sessions or cannot commit to attending the final week in person (travel days April 11 and April 15). Virtual sessions on Tuesdays 12-2PM US Eastern time, AND the in-person final week are BOTH essential requirements of your application and participation.
As an international network, COBRA seeks participation from US-based and international ECRs, with an intention to create a large collaborative pool of talent engaged in leading deep-sea research that addresses societal needs. With sponsorship of the 2027 COBRA Master Class by the Schmidt Ocean Institute, we will prioritize preparing participants to leverage the future cruise track and priorities of the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s RV Falkor (too). In this context, an ECR is defined as a senior graduate student, postdoctoral scientist, junior faculty less than 10 years from their terminal degree, and/or other junior professionals such as an early career employee of a government, non-governmental organization/non-profit, or company. Previous hands-on experience with deep-sea research, outreach, or policy is not required. Participants are considered COBRA Fellows for the 2027 calendar year and are eligible for additional COBRA leadership training opportunities.
Participants selected for the virtual Master Class training opportunity are eligible to receive travel funds to support their in-person participation in the final week of the Master Class April 12-14 at the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in the U.S. State of Maine. This training program, the 2027 COBRA Master Class, does not include any employment by the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, which administers COBRA funding.
More information and the link for the online application portal is available on the COBRA website.
Applications are due October 1, 2026.
Questions about the COBRA Master Class should be emailed to cobra@bigelow.org.