This paper addresses the question of why the intellectual leadership of Oceanography is currently vested in developed countries while it is argued that developing countries have greater needs for the outcomes of Oceanography. The norms of the research science culture are discussed. These norms are not embedded in the culture of some developing regions but are central to western industrial societies. English language, as a carrier of the culture of science, is identified as a key element in enabling graduates to be leaders in their region and players on the international stage. The prospect of regional schools of excellence to educate indigenous graduates in Oceanography is explored as a way of empowering developing country professionals and of halting the brain drain