The PADI Foundation has announced it will expand grants to up to US$15,000 for research projects relating to scuba diving physiology and related outcomes in terms of dive safety.
The foundation is inviting researchers, postdoctoral and graduate students, medical professionals and scientists worldwide to submit project proposals for 2027 between 1 November 2026 and 15 January 2027
Full grant application criteria and a history of past work funded are posted on the foundation’s website.
Founded in 1992 to advance marine research, science, and education, the PADI Foundation has awarded more than US$5.9 million to over 1,389 projects worldwide.
In 2026, there were over 600 grant applications, 44 of which received grants totalling $197,104.
Programmes supported by the foundation include research that furthers understanding of diving physics and its related effects on human physiology, broadens knowledge of aquatic environments, and helps address the challenges facing ocean and coastal ecosystems.
Eligible projects may focus on both scuba diving and freediving, with particular consideration given to research related to diver safety.
‘For more than three decades, the PADI Foundation has helped drive discoveries that make diving safer, deepen our understanding of the underwater world, and inspire future generations to conduct research related to the pathophysiology and the effects of pressure on humans in addition to marine conservation projects,’ said Drew Richardson, President and CEO of PADI Worldwide.
‘By investing in diving physiology and safety research, the Foundation supports work expanding the boundaries of human knowledge underwater while delivering practical safety benefits to divers around the world.’
The PADI Foundation says that proposals with budgets of up to US$15,000 will be considered, although most grants awarded range between USD $5,000 and $10,000.
The foundation adds that select proposals related to diver safety requesting more than $12000 will be given special consideration, but notes that funding is generally not available for overhead expenses, indirect costs, salaries, dive training or standard diving equipment.
Applicants can submit proposals from 1 November 2026, with applications due by 15 January 2027. All submissions must be completed through the Foundation’s online Common Grant Application platform.
For more information, visit www.padifoundation.org.
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