WHOI announces 2026 Ocean & Climate Outreach Series
July 7, 2026
WHOI and the Yawkey Foundation bring together scientists and community to look at the impacts of our changing ocean
Woods Hole, Mass. (July 8, 2026) – Looking for a fun, free way to connect with ocean science this summer? Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) proudly presents the 2026 Ocean and Climate Outreach Series in partnership with the Yawkey Foundation. Now in its fifth year, the series brings together scientists, community members, and thought leaders to engage in conversations, presentations, and hands-on activities exploring how our changing ocean impacts our lives and our planet.
Attendees will learn more about the challenges facing the ocean and the research underway to better understand and protect it.
Members of the media are invited and encouraged to attend any of the events.
All events are free and open to the public.
Pre-registration is required for select events: https://events.whoi.edu/yawkey-26
When: Wednesday, July 8, 2026, 7:30 pm EDT
Where: Redfield Lawn (45 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543)
Please join us with a blanket, picnic, and lawn chairs for a screening of this Cape Cod summer classic film, co-hosted by WHOI, the Yawkey Foundation, and the Woods Hole Film Festival. The movie starts at dusk. Popcorn, trivia, and prizes at 7:30 pm. This event is free and open to the public.
No pre-registration required.
WHOI Night with the Cape Cod Baseball League at the Falmouth Commodores Game
When: Thursday, July 16, 2026, 6 pm EDT
Where: Guv Fuller Field (790 Main Street, Falmouth, MA 02540)
The Falmouth Commodores will take on the Harwich Mariners! WHOI will be on hand for trivia, giveaways, and a ‘Meet a Scientist’ booth. This event is free and open to the public.
No pre-registration required.
Woods Hole Film Festival Screening of A Life Illuminated
When: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 6:15 pm EDT
Where: Redfield Auditorium (45 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543)
Join us for the Woods Hole Film Festival’s opening night screening of A Life Illuminated. This documentary highlights marine biologist Dr. Edie Widder as she undertakes a daring descent 3,300 feet below the ocean’s surface to document a mysterious bioluminescent phenomenon. Combining footage from her latest expedition with archival material from her pioneering career, the film explores her lifelong quest to illuminate the hidden wonders of the deep sea and highlights the importance of preserving its fragile ecosystems.
A limited number of complimentary tickets are available, courtesy of the Yawkey Foundation. Registration details will be posted soon at https://events.whoi.edu/alifeilluminated
Open House at the George and Wendy David Center for Ocean Innovation
When: Thursday, August 13, 2026, 5 pm to 7 pm EDT
Where: George and Wendy David Center for Ocean Innovation (360 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, MA 02543)
In the DeepTech Hub, you’ll be able to interact with scientists and engineers while a variety of ocean technologies are on display, including autonomous underwater vehicles, remotely operated vehicles, sensors, and buoys. Attendees will also have an opportunity to visit Dunkworks, WHOI’s 3D printing lab. Light appetizers and beverages will be served.
This event is free and open to the public, but we kindly ask that you register in advance.
For a complete list of events in the 2026 WHOI Ocean and Climate Outreach Series presented by the Yawkey Foundation, please visit https://events.whoi.edu/yawkey-26
Past Event: An evening with Sy Montgomery
When: Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 5 pm to 7 pm EDT
Where: Redfield Auditorium (45 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543)
You are invited to join us for an evening with bestselling author and National Book Award finalist, Sy Montgomery! Best known for her New York Times best-selling books “Soul of an Octopus” and “Of Time and Turtles,” Montgomery’s work has taken her to the most remote corners of the world in pursuit of extraordinary animals and the scientists who study them.
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About Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to marine research, engineering, and higher education. Founded in 1930 and based on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, WHOI’s mission is to understand the ocean and its interaction with the Earth system, and to communicate the ocean’s vital role in the global environment.
About the Yawkey Foundation
The Yawkey Foundation is dedicated to perpetuating the philanthropic legacy of Tom Yawkey and Jean Yawkey, whose eight decades of quiet generosity supported individuals and families in the communities that were closest to their hearts – Massachusetts and Georgetown County, South Carolina. Having awarded more than $620 million to-date in charitable grants to organizations focused on health care, education, human services, youth and amateur athletics, arts and culture, and conservation and wildlife, the Yawkey Foundation is committed to preserving and sustaining the charitable values of the Yawkeys by investing in nonprofits that provide resources, opportunity, and dignity to the vulnerable and underserved.
Tom and Jean Yawkey had a deep appreciation for nature and a passionate desire to preserve our natural resources. The 24,000-acre Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center in Georgetown, South Carolina perpetuates their commitment to conserving and protecting wildlife and natural resources through pioneering waterfowl, wetlands and wildlife management activities. The protected natural preserve was bequeathed to the State of South Carolina under Tom Yawkey’s will in 1977 in what is considered one of the most outstanding grants to wildlife conservation efforts in North America.
For more information, please visit www.yawkeyfoundation.org