The Science Communication Fellowship immerses formal and informal educators in the Nautilus Corps of Exploration as communicators for exploration and empowers them to bring the excitement of ocean exploration - specifically in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) - to students and public audiences around the world. Fellows share accounts of ocean research, expedition operations, STEAM careers, and daily life with audiences of all ages through live audio commentary on the Nautilus Live website and through outreach to classrooms and communities via ship-to-shore live interactions.

Applications are OPEN for the 2027 Science Communication Fellowship. Application link and fellowship information are available in the 2027 SCF Application Packet. Deadline is October 15, 2026

The Science Communication Fellowship is a professional development program that includes: 

• experience sailing 3-5 weeks as part of the exploration team onboard a deep sea oceanographic expedition;

• participation in a Nautilus science communication expedition forum in the spring;

• paid travel to/from the expedition and the training workshop + substitute or stipend support at sea + a stipend for community or classroom STEAM outreach;

• a year-long commitment to collaborate with the OET team, STEAM education professionals, research scientists, and educator Fellows within the cohort; 

• development of a STEAM-lesson or outreach material deliverable for your education audience; and 

• the agreement to serve as a role model for learners based on your Nautilus experience and engage students, organizations, and communities in the excitement of ocean exploration and STEAM.

OET is committed to including and amplifying role models from all backgrounds. We encourage a broad pool of applicants, particularly educators from under-resourced schools and those who engage learners and communities near our expedition locations.

The Ocean Exploration Trust’s Science Communication Fellowship aims to provide educators with training and immersive at-sea experiences in science communication and ocean exploration. Sailing with Ocean Exploration Trust offers participants the opportunity to deepen their understanding of how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics apply to real-world situations and to engage their classrooms, organizations, and local communities in ocean exploration.