The PADI Foundation is seeking proposals for projects that support research related to aquatic environments, with a particular interest in diving physiology research that may help improve diver safety.
Founded in 1992 to advance marine research, science, and education, the PADI Foundation has awarded more than USD $5.9 million to over 1,389 projects worldwide. Through robust screening and grant funding, the PADI Foundation supports research that expands knowledge of aquatic environments, improves understanding of diving physics and related effects on human physiology, and helps address challenges facing ocean and coastal ecosystems.
The annual research grants are designed to support projects that benefit the global diving community while contributing to scientific understanding of humanity’s relationship with and ability to survive in the underwater environment. 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 studies related to the pathophysiology and the effects of pressure on humans in addition to marine conservation projects,” said Dr. 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.”
Who Can Apply?
Researchers, post-doctorate, graduate students, medical professionals and scientists worldwide with projects related to aquatic environments, sport diving physics or diving physiology may be eligible to apply.
Projects that help increase our understanding of the underwater environment, support diver safety or contribute to scientific knowledge about humans’ relationship with the underwater world are encouraged.
Funding Details
Each year, the PADI Foundation considers grant proposals with budgets up to US $15,000. However, most funded proposals typically fall in the US $5,000 to $10,000 range.
Scientific diving physiology research proposals related to diver safety with budgets larger than US $12,000 will also be considered.
The PADI Foundation generally does not fund overhead or other indirect expenses, salaries, dive training or standard diving equipment.
Application Timeline
Grant proposals may be submitted beginning 1 November, 2026. The application deadline is 15 January, 2027.
Applications must be submitted through the Common Grant Application, a web-based grant management program.
How To Apply
Applicants can review the full application requirements and submit proposals through the Common Grant Application management program.
About the PADI Foundation
The PADI Foundation is an IRC Section 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt organization. It is a separate and distinct organization, but funded through International PADI, Inc.
The PADI Foundation’s mission is to fund and assist worthwhile projects that increase the understanding of sport diving physics and physiology to the benefit of the general diving public and that add to the scientific understanding of man’s relationship and ability to survive in the underwater environment.
