Divers Alert Network Announces US$10,000 Dive Research Grant

DURHAM, NC – January 8, 2020 – Divers Alert Network® (DAN®) is now accepting applications for the DAN/R.W. “Bill” Hamilton Dive Medicine Research Grant. The year-long, US$10,000 grant supports new or ongoing research projects in one or more of the following areas:

  • Development of decompression procedure techniques for commercial, military, technical and/or recreational divers
  • Development of new decompression models
  • Probability of risk or probabilistic modeling
  • Multi-gas dive simulation
  • Dive computer procedures, protocols and testing
  • Treatment of incomplete decompression and resulting incidents

“Decompression safety was Bill Hamilton’s life’s work,” said Petar Denoble, DAN Vice President of Research. “We established this grant to carry on his legacy and to support the next generation of researchers studying diving physiology and advanced decompression procedures. We’re excited to help fund and promote research that builds on Bill’s work and that can ultimately help save lives.”

DAN established the research grant in honor of Dr. R.W. “Bill” Hamilton, who passed away in 2011 at the age of 81. Hamilton, nicknamed The Prince of Gases, conducted research on dive physiology and the treatment of injured divers. He authored numerous papers, reports and workshop proceedings. He is perhaps best known for co-developing the Diving Computational Analysis Program (DCAP), a computer program that analyzes and develops decompression procedures and schedules for a wide variety of exposures to pressure.

Applicants can be involved in any aspect of dive-related sciences, but the spirit of the program is to support projects closely related to Dr. Hamilton’s studies. The grant is open to applicants at any stage of their professional education or career, and recipients are required to present their results to DAN.

To apply for the R.W. Hamilton Memorial Dive Research Grant, email The deadline for applications is March 15, 2020. The grant recipient will be notified by May 1, 2020.


About DAN: The world’s most recognized and respected dive safety organization, Divers Alert Network (DAN) has remained committed to the health and well-being of divers for 40 years. The organization’s research, medical services and global-response programs create an extensive network that supports divers with vital services such as injury prevention, safety and educational programs and lifesaving evacuations. Every year, hundreds of thousands of divers around the world look to DAN as their dive safety organization. Join the DAN community or learn more at DAN.org.