Prince Albert Ier encouraged people to “know, love and protect the oceans”. True to its founder’s message, the Oceanographic Institute takes action in many ways. One of them is to honor eminent personalities in the field of ocean protection.
The Albert I Great Medal was created in 1948 by Nicolas Bendall Manley, to mark the centenary of the Prince ‘s birth, by this science enthusiast and patron of various learned institutions, particularly in the field of oceanography. Awarded annually by the Oceanographic Institute , by Edmond Becker symbolizes the legacy passed on by this visionary Prince and reinforces the Oceanographic Institute in its role as a mediator in the service of the oceans.
Stars who SET AN EXAMPLE
More than just an annual event, the Grand Medal Ceremony Albert Ier is a tradition. Since 1948, the the Oceanographic Institute has been rewarding personalities from the world of the sea for their scientific discoveries and their commitment. The winners, from France and abroad, are currently honored in two categories. The Science section highlights a highly qualified researcher in the field of oceanography for a lifetime of achievement, specific work or an outstanding discovery. Created in 2014, the Mediation section values the actions carried out by women and men in public life. 75 laureates have already received the Albert I Great Medal, including Jacques-Yves Cousteau (1981), Gilles Boeuf (2012), Sandra Bessudo (2014), Leonardo DiCaprio (2015), Erik Orsenna (2016) and Dame Ellen MacArthur (2018).
science category
The Science section recognizes a highly qualified researcher in the field of oceanography for lifetime achievement, specific work or an outstanding discovery.
mediation category
The Mediation section, which has been in existence since 2014, highlights the personal commitment of men and women from civil society who work, with the general public as well as political or economic decision-makers, to make the oceans known, loved and protected.
The prizegiving ceremony, the highlight of the event
More than justan annual event, it ‘ s a 65-year tradition.
Since 1948, the legitimacy of the Institut océanographique to reward and highlight a personality from the world of the sea is widely recognized. The quality of the award winners, and the Oceanographic Institute’ s determination to distinguish those who deserve it, make this ceremony a highlight of the marine world.
Among the personalities known to the general public in recent years, Leonardo DiCaprio (2015), Erik Orsenna (2016) and Dame Ellen MacArthur (2018), all three of whom have been awarded the Mediation section of the Albert I Grand Medal.
The Oceanographic Institute thesis prize
In partnership with the French Academy of Sciences, the Oceanographic Institute Thesis Prize, amounting to €5,000, is awarded each year to a young researcher for their thesis work carried out within a French doctoral school, in a discipline related to the sea or the ocean, as well as for the publications resulting from this research.
Applications must be submitted within three years following the thesis defence. The application file for the 2026 edition must be sent in digital format to award@oceano.org.
Application deadline : July 20, 2025.
