INA Discovery Fund

Establishment: Established through a generous donation from INA supporters to provide annual monetary awards for worthy research and fieldwork projects.

Overview:
The INA Discovery Fund provides annual monetary awards to worthy research and fieldwork projects, including surveys. The fund is designed to support projects that add to our knowledge of history with discovery at the central element of the proposal.

Award Amount

• Range: $5,000 - $25,000
• Award Structure: INA may choose to make a single award of $25,000 or several smaller awards totaling up to $25,000
• Minimum Award: $5,000

Eligibility

• Open to: All scholars
• Preference: Given to projects involving INA-excavated artifacts or shipwrecks

Focus Areas

Projects should demonstrate how the proposed work adds to knowledge of history, with discovery as the central element. Suitable topics include:

• Discovery of a shipwreck during survey
• Discovery of an artifact/assemblage during excavation
• Discovery of compelling data during research and analysis
• Research and analysis of previously excavated materials
• Survey work

2021 Recipients

1. Identification and assessment of underwater cultural heritage of Chinchorro Bank Biosphere Reserve (Mexico) - Laura Carrillo (National Institute of Anthropology & History/National Autonomous University of Mexico): Archival work related to El Angel, a mid-19th century wooden ship with Muntz sheathing
2. In search of the lost shipwreck of Patagones: survey and study of 19th century war and merchant vessels (Argentina) - Nicolás Ciarlo (National Scientific and Technical Research Council): Geophysical survey and excavation of wooden-hulled wrecks
3. Old Kingdom Boat Survey (Egypt) - Douglas Inglis (Texas A&M University, INA research affiliate): Documentation and 3D modeling of ~30 Old Kingdom boat models in Egyptian Museum
4. Intertidal Archaeology in the Province of Biscay (Spain) - Jose Mates Luque (University of the Basque Country): Recording and investigation of abandoned ships from 19th-20th centuries
5. Mazarrón Fenicio (Spain) - Juan Pinedo (University of Murcia): Phoenician port excavation and documentation at Isla de Adentro
6. Phoenix Paddlewheel Reconnaissance (USA) - George Schwarz (INA Research Associate): Investigation of paddlewheels from the Phoenix, early steamboat in Lake Champlain

Application Process

Application Method:

1. Complete the project proposal form on the INA website at https://nauticalarch.org/project-proposals/
2. Submit completed proposal to info@nauticalarch.org

Deadline: September 15 (annually)

Review Timeline:

• Proposals reviewed beginning in October

Required Information:
Proposal should include:

• Project title and description
• Demonstration of how the proposed project adds to knowledge of history
• Clear articulation of the element of discovery central to the project
• Funding request (not to exceed $25,000)
• Any other information required by the proposal form