The Upwelling Project · Oceania
Backing the next generation of ocean leaders
We fund the training, experience and opportunities that turn early ambition into lasting ocean careers.
Why we exist
A healthy ocean depends on people.
The Upwelling Project invests directly in emerging ocean leaders through recognised qualifications, practical experience and a community that helps them take the next step.
Our work begins with scientific and professional diving. Over time, we aim to support research, community and development programs across our region.
Our direction
Skills, pathways and people
Vision
To develop ocean leaders with the skills, experience and pathways to build meaningful marine careers.
Mission
We open pathways to practical training, recognised qualifications, field experience and the networks that help launch marine careers.
Our approach
Each award provides funding directly to the recipient — for a recognised qualification and a placement or field experience they choose — so they can shape their own pathway with a suitable plan at the time of selection.
What guides us
Values built for lasting impact
Our decisions, partnerships and programs are grounded in five values.
Equity Collaboration Ocean stewardship Paying it forward Integrity
Who we are
From the Australasian arm of OWUSS
The Upwelling Project grows out of the Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society (OWUSS) — founded internationally in 1974 — and the Australasian program that took shape in the early 2010s under Jayne Jenkins.
Past Australasian scholars documented their journeys on OWUSS Australasia. Alumni of the former Rolex Scholar program — including many from our region — now help run The Upwelling Project: paying forward the generosity of a year of sponsored training, travel and networks with direct funding and recipient-led plans for Oceania.
Read the full story on our History page.