Celebrating Leadership and Selfless Collaboration to Realizing an Open Sustainable Ocean Observing System for the Good of Society

RU COOL’s vision is on understanding our ocean planet by pushing the limits of science and engineering while inspiring future generations of explorers. Our mission is inherently tied to building teams and networks.  Too often selfless people building those teams are under-appreciated, therefore RU COOL developed the Ocean Observing Award to recognize the selfless leaders who have been critical to our group and for achieving a means for exploring the ocean.

Gary Kirkpatrick

for providing fundamental insights into the ecology of harmful algal blooms and developing new technology enabling science and discovery for the good of the people.  He is inspiring and fostering future generations of scientists, engineers, and innovation through unselfish mentorship.

Richard Spinrad

is recognized for challenging all of us to take positive risks that change the world while entraining the next generation of ocean innovators

Frederick Grassle

us recognized for his innovations in seafloor cabled observatories and ocean robotics transformed human ability to observe and understand undersea ecosystems, setting the stage for a new era in ocean discovery

Robert Goodman

For acting on his vision of new academic paradigms, empowering generations of ocean explorers to build and apply ocean observing networks that advance our science and support a global community embarking on a new blue economy

Larry Atkinson

whose vision for integrated ocean systems has changed the nature of oceanography for the good of all

Doug Webb

is recognized for his pioneering vision, his decades of technological innovation, and enduring commitment to partnerships within the global ocean observing community.

Antonio Gonzalez Ramos

is recognized for his pioneering vision, his dedication to advancing ocean robotics, and his enduring commitment to partnerships within the global ocean observing community.

Buzz Bernstein

is recognized for his pioneering vision, his decades of technological innovation, and enduring commitment to partnerships within the global ocean observing community.

Don Barrick

is recognized for his pioneering vision, his decades of technological innovation, and enduring commitment to partnerships within the global ocean observing community.