Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s “Ocean Encounters” nominated for Webby Award

Woods Hole, MA – Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s informative, entertaining virtual series, Ocean Encounters, has been nominated for a People’s Voice Webby Award in the Virtual and Remote - Series, Health and Science category, and was also named an honoree in the Virtual and Remote: Best Series category. The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet and is presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS). The Webbys has been hailed as the “internet’s highest honor” by the New York Times and is considered “the Oscars of the internet.”

WHOI’s Ocean Encounters was launched in April 2020, to continue connecting researchers and partners with global audiences amidst the pandemic shutdown.  Through the power of the internet, WHOI has taken thousands of viewers on journeys from the Sea to the Stars (Season 3), to the Ocean Twilight Zone (Season 1), to Antarctica (Season 4), also covering topics ranging from ocean pollution to North Atlantic right whales. Through engaging visuals, dynamic interviews, and the opportunity to participate in live Q&As with WHOI leadership, scientists, engineers, and diverse outside guests, Ocean Encounters has set the bar for virtual events and community engagement.

“When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, WHOI recognized an opportunity to reach new audiences—including whole families—who were eager to connect with the outside world and learn about incredible ocean science and technology, even when they were stuck at home,” said Sam Harp, WHOI Vice President of Advancement and Chief Marketing Officer. “Ocean Encounters continues to draw thousands of viewers, reflecting the public’s fascination with the ocean and the amazing science and engineering that takes place here at WHOI and around the globe. The series speaks to the importance of the ocean as well as the amazing team that puts on these virtual events. We are thrilled to be nominated for such a prestigious honor.”

Ocean Encounters is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors the Avatar Alliance Foundation and Dalio Philanthropies and Season 4 is an endorsed activity of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.