WOODS HOLE – The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has “transformed Massachusetts” by carving out a preeminent place in the field of ocean sciences, according to the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM).
WHOI was presented with the Vision Award, AIM’s highest honor, at a ceremony in Boston last week.
Governor Charlie Baker delivered the keynote address.
AIM is the largest employer association in Massachusetts.
The Vision Award recognizes companies, organizations and individuals who have made unique contributions to the cause of economic opportunity in Massachusetts.
The second largest employer on Cape Cod, WHOI’s workforce comprises more than 1,000 researchers, engineers, information technology specialists, and crews for ships and underwater vehicles like the Alvin that famously explored the wreck of the Titanic in 1986.
The Institution has spun off more than 15 independent companies, making the Institution a pillar of the south coast’s Blue Economy, particularly in the marine technology sector.
A combination of government grants and contracts, foundation and private donations and industry contracts provide the organization with an annual operating budget of $215 million.
In Dec. 2014, WHOI’s Center for Marine Robotics was awarded a five-year, $5 million grant from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative to accelerate the development and deployment of marine robotics technologies.
About CapeCod.com NewsCenter
