WHOI

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, commonly known as WHOI, is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to the research and education of oceanography and marine policy. Founded in 1930, it is one of the largest independent oceanographic research institutions in the world. Located in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, WHOI operates a fleet of research vessels, including the R/V Atlantis, which carries the human-occupied submersible Alvin, and the R/V Neil Armstrong. The institution's research spans a wide range of disciplines, including physical oceanography, chemical oceanography, marine geology and geophysics, and marine biology. WHOI scientists study everything from the deepest ocean trenches to the interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere, contributing to a better understanding of climate change, marine ecosystems, and the Earth's geological processes. Beyond research, WHOI also offers graduate programs in conjunction with MIT and other universities, training the next generation of ocean scientists. The institution plays a significant role in national and international ocean exploration and policy-making, providing critical data and expertise for environmental stewardship and resource management.