Currently AMSA presents the following awards:
AMSA Emerging Leader in Marine Science Award
AMSA Melissa George Excellence in Sea Country Award
AMSA Allen Award for Outstanding Student
Annual Conference Student Prizes
2026 AMSA Award Winners!!
AMSA Jubilee Award 2026
This award recognises excellence in marine research and is presented to a scientist who has made an outstanding contribution to marine research in Australia.
John Keesing
CSIRO
Dr John Keesing from CSIRO, an internationally recognised marine scientist whose career has transformed our understanding of Australian marine ecosystems from foundational species ecology to integrated, ecosystem‑scale science.
AMSA Emerging Leader in Marine Science Award 2026
This award was established in 2020 and is presented to an early or mid-career scientist in recognition of their outstanding research and academic achievements in marine science and the translation of their research for engagement outside of academia and mentoring of other young scientists.
Dominic McAfee
Adelaide University
Dr Dominic McAfee from Adelaide University, a leader in marine restoration science addressing coastal ecosystem loss by integrating ecological theory, applied restoration, and social-ecological systems.
AMSA Melissa George Excellence in Sea Country Award 2026
This award was inaugurated at the AMSA 2022 Conference in Cairns and is intended to recognise the outstanding contribution or leadership potential of an Indigenous marine scientist, ranger, communicator, or educator to the advancement of marine science and knowledge in Australia.
Jordan Ivey
Australian Institute of Marine Science
Jordan Ivey from AIMS, an Indigenous Futures Coordinator designing and delivering programs that are reshaping how Traditional Owner groups engage with and lead marine science and reef restoration in Australia.
AMSA Technical Award 2026
This award is intended to recognize outstanding achievements in the field of technical support to marine science in Australia. It was first awarded in 2009. This prize serves to emphasize the valuable contribution to marine science made by those who provide the technical and logistical support services that make much research possible.
Antonia Cooper
University of Tasmania
Antonia Cooper from University of Tasmania, a marine scientist and operations leader with 20 years’ experience in marine ecosystem monitoring, scientific diving, and program management.
AMSA Allen Award 2026
This award is intended to recognise an outstanding postgraduate student by providing financial support to attend the upcoming AMSA conference, giving the student the opportunity to gain experience and contacts.
Olivia Sharp
Adelaide University
Olivia Sharp from Adelaide University, a PhD candidate focusing on social and natural sciences and the representation of cetaceans in Australian media.
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