Dear Society Members,
Are you an early career researcher working in cetacean cognition and sensory perception, or in humpback whale behavioral ecology or communication?
Applications are now open for the Louis M. Herman Research Scholarship—read on for details on this exciting opportunity!
BACKGROUND
Louis M. Herman, Ph.D. and Emeritus Professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, was a pioneer and trailblazer in research on dolphin sensory perception and cognition, and humpback whale behavioral ecology. This work was carried out through the world renowned Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Laboratory (KBMML) that he established in 1969 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He also co-founded The Dolphin Institute (TDI), dedicated to dolphins and whales through education, research, and conservation. KBMML/TDI’s findings on marine mammals were published in over 160 scientific papers and featured in more than 230 national and international media articles, television and radio programs, and documentary films. Dr. Herman’s life’s work significantly influenced marine mammal conservation. It also had an enormous impact on the lives and careers of countless interns, undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, visiting faculty, and volunteers from around the world, all of whom played important roles in the unique research team he assembled over more than four decades. Dr. Herman will always be remembered for his innovative, creative, and scientifically rigorous approach to the study of the marine mammals he so loved, and for the future generations of marine mammal researchers he and his work continue to inspire.
Dr. Herman’s family, colleagues, and friends established the Louis M. Herman Research Scholarship in 2017 to honor his legacy by promoting the type of research that was the focus of his groundbreaking studies. The Scholarship is given every two years. The 2026 award will be for USD $6,000.
CRITERIA
The Louis M. Herman Research Scholarship supports a research project that contributes to our understanding of cetacean cognition and sensory perception (laboratory or field studies), or humpback whale behavioral ecology or communication. Work with other species of marine mammals that especially enhances our understanding of their cognitive abilities will also be considered.
Eligible candidates must be current SMM members and either be enrolled as a graduate student or have completed their Master’s or PhD within the past three years.
SUBMISSION DETAILS
Applications will be submitted through an online form, which is accessible only to current Society members. Applications must be submitted by Monday, March 16, 2026 with all required materials uploaded via the submission link below. Full application details will be available on the submission form.
PLEASE NOTE: You must be signed in to your SMM member profile to view and submit an application. Click the link below to get started. If you’re not already signed in, you’ll be prompted to log in, then select “Sign in to the page for SMM nominations and scholarships/grants applications” to be begin the application process.
The award recipient will be notified by April 16th 2026, with an expectation that the awardee will present results of their research at a subsequent Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. We will award up to an additional $500 to support travel costs contingent on an accepted submission and completed presentation.
QUESTIONS
If you have questions about the scholarship or application process, please contact the Awards and Scholarships Chair, Dr. Kimberley Bennett (awardschair@marinemammalscience.org). For technical questions or issues with the submission form, please contact admin@marinemammalscience.org.
Kind regards,
Kimberley Bennett
SMM Awards Chair
Society for Marine Mammalogy
awardschair@marinemammalscience.org