The Hydrographic Society UK & Ireland (THS:UKI) is delighted to announce Hannah Gallagher as the recipient of the 2026 UK Centre for Seabed Mapping (UKCSM) Bursary.

The bursary will cover Hannah’s tuition fees for the MSc Hydrography at the University of Plymouth, which she will begin in September 2026, supporting her ambition to develop a career in hydrographic surveying and seabed mapping.

The UK CSM Bursary Scheme was established to support the next generation of hydrographic surveyors and seabed mapping professionals, helping to address the shortage of skilled surveyors in the UK and strengthen the sector’s future capability.

Led by the UK CSM Education and Research Working Group and administered by THS:UKI, the scheme aims to encourage more people to enter the hydrographic profession, support students and early-career professionals, and help ensure a strong pipeline of skilled professionals for the future.

The need for skilled hydrographic professionals is increasingly important as accurate seabed data supports a wide range of UK maritime activities, including safe navigation, offshore energy, marine infrastructure, environmental management and the wider blue economy. By removing the financial barrier of tuition fees, the bursary provides talented individuals with the opportunity to gain specialist knowledge and practical skills that will contribute to the future capability of the UK’s hydrographic and marine geospatial sectors.

 

Hannah Gallagher was selected in recognition of her commitment to pursuing a career in hydrography and seabed mapping. A graduate of the University of Plymouth, Hannah achieved first-class honours in Oceanography and Coastal Processes, during which she developed a particular interest in seafloor mapping and coastal surveying.

Speaking about the award, Hannah Gallagher said:

“I began sailing 12 years ago, I enjoy yachting and have worked as a sailing instructor for the past 6 years to fund my studies. I soon became interested in nautical charts and how fundamental they were to so many industries. It was a natural progression for me to study Oceanography and Coastal Processes at the University of Plymouth.

I enjoyed seafloor mapping and coastal survey modules as an undergraduate and I particularly valued going out and using the multibeam echo sounders on the university’s own research vessels. Throughout my time at university I was also fortunate enough to receive career mentoring from two hydrographic surveyors from different companies.

Now I have graduated with first-class honours, the bursary from THS:UK means I can develop a deeper understanding through an MSc in Hydrography. I am particularly looking forward to the applied marine autonomy module.

I am extremely honoured to be chosen as the UK Centre for Seabed Mapping Bursary recipient this year. This opportunity will have such a huge impact, relieving financial stress, allowing me to focus solely on my studies and promoting the industry to new and prospective students.

With this support I feel best placed to reach my professional goal of spending time offshore, installing equipment and executing surveys, drawing on my love of the ocean, science and maths. I am now very excited for the year ahead, attending conferences, hosting talks at the university as well as achieving my highest academic potential! Thank you UK Centre for Seabed Mapping Education and Research Working Group.”

Dr Cassandra Nanlal, speaking on behalf of the UK CSM Bursary initiative, said:

“A hearty congratulations to our inaugural bursary recipient Hannah Gallagher! Well done and best of luck!

I am thrilled to be part of the team that led this tremendously important initiative for hydrographic surveying education.

My sincerest gratitude goes to the passionate team who worked so hard to make this pilot a success; the UKCSM Education and Research Working Group, our university hydro course leads and the THS:UKI team. I am equally grateful to our industry sponsors, whose commitment to championing the next generation in our sector is truly inspiring.

Together, we are directly investing in the specialists who will drive our industry forward, at a time when the need and opportunity for expertise in hydrographic surveying within the UK has never been greater.”

 

Industry sponsorship is central to the success of the UK CSM Bursary Scheme, providing a direct opportunity for organisations to invest in the education and development of the next generation of hydrographic professionals.

THS:UKI would like to extend sincere thanks to the organisations supporting the scheme, particularly Gold Sponsor PLA, Silver Sponsor NORBIT and Bronze Sponsor Njord Survey.

Their generous support has made this bursary possible, giving Hannah the opportunity to begin her professional journey in hydrography with the financial support she needs to pursue her MSc. Their commitment to Hannah and to investing in the future of our sector is greatly appreciated.

We would also like to extend sincere thanks to the UK CSM Education and Research Working Group for the dedication and hard work behind the bursary scheme. In particular, our thanks go to Dr Cassandra Nanlal, David Parker, Dr Tim Scott, Rob Clarke, Koen Vanstaen, Becky Conway, Mark Poole and William Kelly for their time, expertise and commitment to making this initiative a success.

Their collective efforts have helped create a valuable opportunity for the next generation of hydrographic professionals and demonstrate the importance of collaboration between industry, academia and the wider hydrographic community.

The investment from industry sponsors demonstrates the important role organisations can play in addressing the sector’s skills gap and ensuring that the UK maintains the specialist expertise required in hydrography and seabed mapping. THS:UKI encourages further organisations to support the UKCSM Bursary Scheme and help create opportunities for future hydrographers and seabed mapping specialists.

Congratulations to Hannah on this achievement. THS:UKI, the UKCSM Education and Research Working Group and its industry partners look forward to following Hannah’s progress as she begins her MSc and takes the next step towards a career in hydrography.

Find more information about the bursary, here: UK Centre for Seabed Mapping Bursary Scheme – The Hydrographic Society

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