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The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is once again hosting the West Science Bursary, a collaborative initiative that drives innovation in marine science and oceanography.
By supporting students and early-career researchers, the bursary helps advance critical research that deepens our understanding of the ocean and its role in tackling global challenges.
The programme – now in its fifth year – is recognised as an endorsed Contribution to the UN Ocean Decade and provides students and early-career researchers with crucial mentoring and development opportunities with world-leading NOC scientists.
The aim is to empower the next generation of scientists to deliver fresh insights and innovative solutions that deepen our understanding of the ocean and its role in shaping a sustainable future.
Holly Evans, Head of Philanthropy at NOC, said: “Marine research has never been more critical, and NOC is committed to supporting the next generation of ocean scientists, ensuring they have the knowledge and tools to drive their work.
“We are grateful to our continuing partnership with West through the science bursary, which enables NOC to deliver this crucial education programme. Philanthropic funding is a key element to supporting our mission to provide value for society.”
Five students have been selected for the latest round of the bursary and will receive three months of support from NOC scientists. Two students will then be selected to participate in a future research expedition aboard either RRS Discovery or RRS James Cook.”
Cynthia Merab Anyango Ooko, a student from Kenya, said: “I am most looking forward to connecting with mentors who can guide me as I grow in my journey as a marine scientist.
“I am excited to learn from their experiences, hear different perspectives on ocean research, and be encouraged to see my work in a wider, global context. For me, this bursary is more than training, it is a chance to find inspiration, build confidence, and be part of a community that shares the same love for the ocean.”
The bursary, led by NOC’s Dr Ben Moat, has been made available through the generous support of West, a leading insurance provider to the global maritime industry.
Find out more about supporting NOC
Opportunities like this are only possible thanks to the support of corporate partners.
To find out more about working with NOC and supporting our commitment to education visit our Support Us pages. By working together, we can inspire and educate a diverse new generation of scientists for the good of our ocean.
Meet the students
Cindrella Joy Joseph, India
What does the ocean mean to you?
Growing up in a quiet valley in Kerala, India far from any coast, the ocean felt like something from another world. Everything changed during one college lecture about biological pump in the ocean and from then, I couldn't stop thinking about tiny creatures that control our planet's chemistry. Now, working toward my PhD studying greenhouse gases in tropical estuaries, I spend my days understanding these amazing places where rivers meet the sea. It's like watching a never-ending dance where saltwater pushes inland with tides, fresh water rushes out, and nutrients swirl creating incredible biological processes. I watch how rotting mangrove leaves release methane bubbles from mud. The ocean taught me patience, sometimes I stare at data, trying to decode what it's telling me. It's humbling too, standing on a beach at night realising how vast it all is. That same childhood curiosity now drives everything I do.
What are you most looking forward to about this bursary?
I’m excited about the mentorship from NOC’s leading researchers who specialise in Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and the opportunity to engage with an international network of researchers across various fields. Interacting with this diverse community will broaden my perspective and strengthen my research. I look forward to learning more about advanced measurement techniques, sophisticated biogeochemical modelling, and participating in in-depth discussions to better understand whether greenhouse gas dynamics are consistent worldwide or vary between the tropics and the poles.
Cynthia Merab Anyango Ooko, Kenya
What does the ocean mean to you?
The ocean is a source of wonder and inspiration for me. It is a biodiversity hotspot that sustains life, regulates our climate, and supports countless livelihoods. At the same time, I see it as fragile and in need of care, especially with the growing threats of pollution and climate change. To me, the ocean represents both beauty and responsibility, a reminder of why protecting it is essential for people and the planet.
What are you most looking forward to about this bursary?
I am most looking forward to connecting with mentors who can guide me as I grow in my journey as a marine scientist. I am excited to learn from their experiences, hear different perspectives on ocean research, and be encouraged to see my work in a wider, global context. For me, this bursary is more than training, it is a chance to find inspiration, build confidence, and be part of a community that shares the same love for the ocean.
Edcel R. Sudaria, Philippines
What does the ocean mean to you?
As an emerging young scientist in the field of physical oceanography and marine science, the ocean is an interesting water body with secrets that are yet to be discovered. According to a colleague, there are around 400 marine scientists in the Philippines, with only a handful holding PhDs. Given the archipelagic nature of the Philippines, at least a thousand more are needed to investigate the complex bathymetry, ocean-bathymetry interactions, and prominent seasonal currents occurring in the region. I am hopeful that by participating in this prestigious programme, I will be equipped with enough experience and skills to address these gaps and contribute to unlocking one of the many secrets the Philippine Seas hold.
What are you most looking forward to about this bursary?
My goal is to be equipped with transferable soft skills that are fit to solve these challenges to ensure high-quality science can be done despite the scarcity of funding and training opportunities within our country. Moreover, I would like to learn how to fabricate low-cost and effective oceanographic equipment, such as drogues, which I could use as validation tools to for my modelling studies. I am looking forward to the one-on-one mentoring program and I'm sure I will learn valuable insights from my assigned mentor.
Fahima Bellabad, Algeria
What does the ocean mean to you?
Though I grew up far from the coast, the deep ocean has always called me. It holds both unanswered questions and real hope - worth exploring and protecting for us and for those who come after us.
What are you most looking forward to about this bursary?
Hands-on fieldwork to complement my remote-sensing work - learning modern biogeochemical instruments (from sensor calibration, acquisition, QA/QC, processing with uncertainty, validation/integration, and archiving) and integrating in-situ measurements with satellite/reanalysis data for robust, policy-relevant results. I’m also keen to explore low-cost, scalable ocean tech that I can adapt and deploy in Algeria.
Walter Okinyi Ogutu, Kenya
What does the ocean mean to you?
To me, the ocean means life. Every time I interact with or reflect on the ocean, I see it not only as the controller but also the source of life on our planet. Everything we do on land, including our destructive anthropogenic activities, eventually finds its way to the ocean. The ocean cleanses our air, regulates our climate, and sustains ecosystems that provide us with food, livelihoods, and countless ecosystem services. It also offers the space for navigation, scientific exploration, and even supports space exploration by serving as a landing site for spacecraft. Ultimately, the ocean underpins our existence, reminding me always that ‘there can be no green without the blue.’
What are you most looking forward to about this bursary?
I am most looking forward to the opportunity to engage with experienced mentors and gain insights into cutting-edge ocean science and its applications. This bursary offers me a chance to strengthen my research capacity, particularly in data analysis and ocean observation, while also learning how to effectively communicate science for broader impact. I am excited about the networking aspect - interacting with a diverse community of scientists and practitioners - which will expand my perspective and inspire collaboration. Above all, I look forward to translating the knowledge and mentorship gained into practical skills that will support my career in marine science and contribute to sustainable ocean management.