Skip to content

OUR OCEAN. OUR PLANET. OUR FUTURE.®

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is the world's premier independent organization dedicated exclusively to ocean research, technology, and education. We combine state-of-the-art science, engineering, and ship operations to unravel the mysteries of the deep and devise science-based solutions to planet-wide problems.

It was true in Bigelow's time– and it's true today. We wouldn't be leaders in ocean science + engineering without our dedicated and talented staff. ⁠
⁠
Whether you're at sea or enjoying the day off, Happy Labor Day to all!
📚 Looking for a stimulating long-weekend read? Whether you're on the water or chillin' in the backyard, immerse yourself in #OurLivingOcean with the digital version of #WHOI's flagship magazine, #Oceanus. ⁠
⁠
📲 Dive in at the link in bio! (It's free!)
🕵️ How can we build the tech to look for life on other #oceanworlds? Extreme environments on Earth are a great place to start!⁠
⁠
Learn more in "Our Alien Earth," a 3-part documentary from NASA+ that follows scientists from the lava fields of Iceland to underwater volcanoes off the coast of Greece, testing technologies that directly inform @nasa missions to detect and discover extraterrestrial life in the Universe. ⁠
⁠
Episode 3 features a WHOI-led expedition with autonomous underwater vehicles that can make their own decisions! 🤩⁠
⁠
📲 Treat yourself to this NASA+ series (link in bio)!⁠
⁠

OUR WORK

WHOI is at the forefront of groundbreaking science and technology development, unlocking the mysteries of our ocean, its connections to life on Earth, and solutions it may hold to some of our most pressing environmental challenges.

Our scientists and engineers lead more than 800 concurrent projects, tackling some of the most challenging and important problems of our time, from climate change and ocean pollution to sustainable food and energy production.

We operate a fleet of research vessels and vehicles, including two large ships (R/V Neil Armstrong and R/V Atlantis), a smaller coastal research vessel, the iconic human-occupied submersible Alvin, and dozens of other underwater robots.

Through our higher education programs, including the prestigious MIT-WHOI Joint Program, we train new generations of ocean scientists, engineers, and leaders-providing access to cutting edge facilities and unparalleled access to the sea.

WHOI plays a leading role in ocean communications, sharing our insights and knowledge about the ocean to the general public, policymakers, educators, and more, so we can make wise decisions about our ocean, our planet, and our future.

KNOW YOUR OCEAN

The ocean covers more than 2/3 of Earth's surface and is a fundamental reason why life exists on Earth-but yet many know so little about it. Dive in to learn more about our ocean planet.

EXPLORE WITH US

For nearly a century, WHOI has been one of the best known and most trusted names in ocean science and exploration. Become a part of the research that shapes our understanding of the ocean, our planet, and life on Earth.