The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is a private, non-profit research and higher education facility dedicated to the study of all aspects of the world’s oceans. Founded in 1930 by Henry Wood, it is one of the oldest oceanographic institutions in the United States. Located in Woods Hole, Massachusetts on Cape Cod, WHOI operates several marine laboratories, most notably its flagship laboratory, the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL). MBL is a leading center for scientific research and education with over 1,200 affiliated scientists from around the world.
Over the years, WHOI has been at the forefront of some of the most important discoveries about the oceans and their role in global climate change. In particular, WHOI scientists have played a key role in uncovering evidence for how ocean currents affect climate patterns (e.g., El Nino/La Nina), as well as discovering new species of deep-sea life forms.
Today, WHOI remains one of the premier oceanographic research organizations in the world. With over 300 full-time employees and an annual budget of $140 million dollars, it continues to lead international efforts to understand and protect our planet’s oceans.