Introducing the Best Paper and Best Newcomer awards

The Awards at UDT 2025

UDT serves as the leading global event dedicated to undersea defence technology, a vital platform for subject matter and domain experts to share their research and presentations. 

For 2025, the committee calls for submissions of original and thought-provoking abstracts from various disciplines and industries on the conference theme, Innovate, Collaborate, Deliver.

To continuously build and develop how we acknowledge our speakers, we are introducing a UDT first for 2025 -  Best Paper and Best Newcomer Awards.

UDT 2024 - Best paper

New for 2025

The Best Paper award

This award acknowledges outstanding written contributions that significantly advance undersea defence technology.  

It is designed to spotlight well-written technical papers that show clarity, expertise, logical structure, and innovative concepts shaping the field's and industry's future, sparking important discussions and inspiring further research and innovation.  

Submissions must communicate the complexity of a topic crucial for the field of undersea defence whilst providing insight into a current challenge, need or future capabilities.  

Industry Significance

Provides thought-provoking questions or approaches to undersea defence challenges.

Contribution to a new understanding of a critical undersea defence issue or challenge

Scientific Connections

Includes technical, scientific or engineering principles applied to the undersea defence sector.

Addresses impacts, solutions or integrations with existing pain points within the undersea defence domain.

Communication

A well-organised and logical structure in the paper.

Easy-to-read language, free of grammatical errors and ambiguity.

Relevance to Conference Theme

Strong alignment of the paper's topic with the overall conference theme.

Impact

Demonstration of the paper's potential to improve undersea defence capabilities

 

The Best Newcomer award

This category recognises the exceptional contributions of first-time submissions at the UDT conferences. This prestigious award honours groundbreaking research, novel technologies, and innovative solutions in undersea defence and security.  

Created to spotlight first-time speakers, the award provides a unique opportunity for enhanced visibility, valuable networking connections, and professional development within the undersea defence community.   

Submissions must demonstrate originality, technical excellence and undersea defence expertise.  

Content

Clarity and focus of the research topic.

Originality and significance of the research or information presented.

Depth of technical knowledge and complex concepts presented in a well-articulated format

Strong alignment of the paper's topic with the overall conference theme.

Impact

Potential impact of the research on undersea defence technologies or strategies.

Potential discussions of a key pain point, challenge, and/or issues in the undersea defence sector.

Contribution to the advancement of knowledge and understanding in undersea defence.

Overall Impression

Adherence to time limits and conference guidelines.

Active participation in discussions and the review process.


 

The UDT Awards are judged by a distinguished panel of experts in undersea defence technology.

Our esteemed judges play a crucial role in identifying and celebrating the innovations that will shape the future of this critical domain.

Dr Lee Willett

Independent Naval Writer and Analyst

United Kingdom

LinkedIn

 

Mr Murray Thomson

Chief of Staff to Group Chief Technology and Information Officer

BAE Systems plc

United Kingdom

LinkedIn

Dr Alix Valenti

Freelance defence journalist

United Kingdom

LinkedIn