Emerging Leaders Program
Nominate an IOSC 2027 Emerging Leader
Please Note: A unique email address is required for each nomination submitted through the portal. If you are submitting multiple nominations, additional nominations may be emailed to 2027iosc@api.org.
Developing the Next Generation of Leaders in Oil Spill Preparedness and Response
The International Oil Spill Conference (IOSC) is committed to fostering the future of the profession by recognizing and supporting talented early-career professionals who demonstrate leadership potential, commitment to the industry, and a passion for oil spill and emergency preparedness and response.
Building on the Emerging Leaders initiative launched at IOSC 2024, the 2027 program is designed to provide a more intentional and meaningful development experience. Selected participants will receive recognition at IOSC 2027 and benefit from enhanced networking opportunities, leadership-focused programming, mentoring, and continued engagement with peers and industry leaders.
What Is an Emerging Leader?
- An early-career professional who demonstrates commitment to the oil spill and emergency preparedness and response community.
- Someone who shows strong professional potential, initiative, and emerging leadership qualities.
- An individual who is willing to contribute to the future of the profession.
- A professional who wants to grow their knowledge, network, and industry engagement.
- Someone already making a positive contribution within an organization, regulator, response community, academic institution, industry association, or related field.
Why Nominate Someone?
- Professional recognition as an IOSC 2027 Emerging Leader.
- Networking with industry experts, conference leaders, and fellow Emerging Leaders.
- Participation in leadership-focused activities and special sessions designed to support career development.
- Opportunities to engage with respected professionals and recognized leaders from across the community.
- Connection to a growing Emerging Leaders network intended to support continued collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional development beyond the conference.
Who Can Submit a Nomination?
Nominations should be submitted by a third party with direct knowledge of the nominee’s work, potential, and commitment. Potential nominators may include:
- Line managers
- Department managers
- Supervisors
- Senior leaders
- Professional mentors
- Industry colleagues with direct knowledge of the nominee’s contributions
Self nominations will not be accepted.
What Should a Strong Nomination Highlight?
- The nominee’s contributions to oil spill or emergency prevention, preparedness, response, science, technology, environmental protection, or stakeholder engagement.
- Specific examples of initiative, leadership potential, collaboration, or innovation.
- Demonstrated commitment to professional development and continued learning.
- Participation in projects, exercises, training, research, industry activities, or community engagement.
- The nominee’s potential to become a future leader within the profession.
- How participation in the program would support the nominee’s continued growth and contribution.
Selection Considerations
The program aims to develop a broad and representative cohort from across the oil spill and emergency preparedness and response community, including:
- Industry
- Government and regulatory organizations
- Response organizations
- Academia and research institutions
- Non-governmental organizations
- A range of geographic regions, disciplines, and professional backgrounds
How to Submit a Nomination
Managers, supervisors, and other eligible nominators should complete the online nomination form. The form should request the following information:
| Form Section | Recommended Information |
|---|---|
| Nominee details | Full name, job title, organization, location/country, email address, and telephone number. |
| Professional profile | Years of relevant professional experience and a short description of the nominee’s current role. |
| Nomination statement | A summary of relevant accomplishments and why the individual should be recognized as an Emerging Leader. |
| Leadership potential | Examples that demonstrate initiative, collaboration, influence, innovation, or potential for future leadership. |
| Future contribution | How the nominee may continue to contribute to the oil spill and emergency preparedness and response community. |
| Development value | How participation in the Emerging Leaders Program would support the nominee’s professional growth. |
| Nominator details | Full name, job title, organization, relationship to the nominee, email address, and telephone number. |
Submission Information
- Nominations open: October 26, 2026
- Submission deadline: January 31, 2027
- Selection notification: February 28, 2027
- Conference dates: May 17-20, 2027
- Submission link: Submit Online
- Questions: 2027iosc@api.org
Closing Call to Action
Help Shape the Future of the Profession
The continued strength of the oil spill and emergency preparedness and response community depends on developing and supporting the next generation of professionals. Managers and supervisors are encouraged to identify talented individuals within their organizations and nominate them for this professional development opportunity at IOSC 2027.