Science Afloat - Bringing Sailors and Marine Scientists Together

Bringing Two Worlds Together

Every year, thousands of long distance sailors cross the world’s oceans, exploring places few people ever visit.  At the same time, marine scientists are looking for practical ways to carry out research in exactly these regions.

Science Afloat was created to bring these two worlds together.

Marine and climate research has never been more important. Yet research vessel time is scarce and expensive, leaving many scientifically valuable projects without access to the data and fieldwork they require. Long-distance sailors are uniquely positioned to help.

Science Afloat is a new non-profit platform that connects ocean researchers with long-distance sailors willing to support scientific projects at sea.

Researchers can post projects describing their requirements. Sailors can register their boats, planned voyages, and the facilities and resources they can make available. Whenever the platform identifies a suitable match, both parties receive an email notification and can decide whether to get in touch.

The platform is now live at: Science Afloat

Science Afloat offers sailors an opportunity to contribute directly to marine science without changing the nature of their voyage. Whether supporting a single project in a remote region or participating in a larger international research effort, every voyage has the potential to generate valuable scientific data and deepen our understanding of the oceans.

How it Works

1.  Sailors register their vessel and upcoming routes. Researchers describe what needs measuring, collecting or carrying.
2. Science Afloats compare cruising routes against research areas, plus equipment space, power and communication needs.
3. Sailors and scientists get in touch directly, agree on the details and carry real science across the water.

Interested?

Contact Science Afloat for more details or visit their website.