Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s Ken Buesseler receives AGU Honor

Woods Hole, Mass. (Sept 24, 2025)  – Ken Buesseler, a Senior Scientist in Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is a recipient of the 2025 Ambassador Award from the American Geological Union (AGU), for his “innovative contributions to the measurement and impacts of natural and artificial radionuclides in marine environments.”

AGU, the world's largest Earth and space science association, celebrates individuals and teams through its annual Honors and Recognition program for their accomplishments in research, education, science communication, and outreach. These honorees have transformed our understanding of the world, impacted our everyday lives, improved our communities, and contributed to solutions for a sustainable future.

Buesseler is a marine radiochemist who studies the fate and distribution of radioactive elements in the ocean, including the ocean carbon cycl,e where naturally occurring isotopes can inform how quickly and how much carbon is carried on sinking particles from the sun lite surface through the ocean twilight zone to the deep sea.  Buesseler is a well-known expert in the assessment of radioactivity associated with the releases from Chernobyl, Fukushima, the Marshall Islands, and other localized sources, and is often called upon by national and international media to provide scientific perspective. He is a leader in studying the ocean’s role in regulating climate and to what degree ocean carbon dioxide removal might be enhanced in a responsible, transparent, and quantifiable way.

“It is an honor to receive this distinction from AGU,” said Buesseler. “Educating public audiences regarding radioactivity in the oceans and training the next generation of ocean radiochemists is extremely important, so to be recognized for this work is gratifying.”

Buesseler joins a distinguished group of scientists, leaders, and communicators recognized by AGU for advancing science. Each honoree reflects AGU's vision for a thriving, sustainable, and equitable future supported by scientific discovery, innovation, and action.

Honorees will be recognized at AGU25, which will convene in New Orleans, Louisiana, on 15-19 December 2025. Reflecting the theme 'Where Science Connects Us' at AGU25, the Honors Reception will recognize groundbreaking achievements that illustrate science's continual advancement, inspiring the AGU community with their stories and successes.

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AGU (www.agu.org) is a global community supporting more than half a million advocates and professionals in the Earth and space sciences. Through broad and inclusive partnerships, AGU aims to advance discovery and solution science that accelerate knowledge and create solutions that are ethical, unbiased and respectful of communities and their values. Our programs include serving as a scholarly publisher, convening virtual and in-person events and providing career support. We live our values in everything we do, such as our net zero energy renovated building in Washington, D.C. and our Ethics and Equity Center, which fosters a diverse and inclusive geoscience community to ensure responsible conduct.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is a private, non-profit organization on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, dedicated to marine research, engineering, and higher education. Founded in 1930, its mission is to understand the ocean, its interactions with the Earth, and its role in a changing global environment. WHOI’s pioneering discoveries arise from a unique blend of science and engineering that has made it one of the world’s most trusted leaders in ocean research and exploration. Known for its multidisciplinary approach, advanced ship operations, and unmatched deep-sea robotics, WHOI also operates the most extensive suite of ocean data-gathering platforms worldwide. More than 800 concurrent projects—driven by top scientists, engineers, and students—push the boundaries of knowledge to inform people and policy for a healthier planet. Behind the scenes, ship captains, mates, craftsmen, dock workers, and other skilled professionals provide essential support that makes this work possible. Learn more at whoi.edu.