Funding is provided for short, creative start-up projects in the field of marine conservation run by early career scientists that focus on chondrichthyan species (sharks, rays, skates, sawfishes and chimaeras).

The Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) is a not-for-profit organisation based in Switzerland that provides support for projects and activities that have the capacity to make a difference to the health of the oceans and to the survival of threatened aquatic species and habitats.

SOSF Small Grants are aimed at early career scientists conducting new and creative start-up projects in the fields of marine conservation, research and education. Grants are intended for local projects conducted by local project leaders and are intended to give career scientists, conservationists or educators the opportunity to prove themselves.

Projects eligible for support must be concerned with marine chondrichthyan species (sharks, rays, skates, sawfishes and chimaeras) and have specific and finite objectives. SOSF will consider small grant applications that aim to undertake the preliminary investigations necessary before a larger, longer-term project can be developed.

Project leaders should be early career scientists, within five years of being awarded their degree. Applicants can be from any country.

The average grant awarded is $5,000. Funding can last for up to 18 months.

There is a two-stage application process consisting of Stage 1 (short) proposals followed by invited Stage 2 full (detailed) applications.