Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution presents Centennial Medal to His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco

His Serene Highness, Prince Albert II of Monaco, was awarded a Centennial Medal from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution for his work to raise awareness, inspire action, and advance ocean science and technology for the global good. (L to R) Peter de Menocal, President and Director, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution; John Kerry, former U.S Envoy for Climate and Secretary of State; and Prince Albert II. (Photo by Michael Alesi)

Award takes place at United Nations Ocean Conference, underscoring the need for global action in the protection of our oceans

Photos of the award presentation can be found here

Nice, France (June 11, 2025) – Today, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) presented His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco with its inaugural series Centennial Medal, in recognition of his extraordinary work to raise awareness, inspire action, and advance ocean science and technology for the global good. The award was made at the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), currently underway in Nice, France.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) Centennial Medal recipient Prince Albert II (L), and Peter de Menocal, WHOI President and Director (R), at the UN Ocean Conference, in Nice, France on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (Photo by: Ken Kostel, ©Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

“We are here to honor His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco for his extraordinary contributions to ocean science, conservation, and governance,” said WHOI’s President and Director Peter de Menocal, who made the presentation. “His commitment to international policy negotiations, advocating for ocean literacy and education, and work highlighting the central role of the ocean in global climate, continues to expand the legacy of his great-great-grandfather Prince Albert, who more than 100 years ago supported the then-new field of ocean science. It is with extreme gratitude that we present our Centennial Award to him.”

His Serene Highness has demonstrated his passion for conservation through the establishment of foundations that confront global environmental challenges head-on by raising funds, initiating action, establishing partnerships, and implementing on the ground projects. For almost two decades, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has supported critical ocean research and action by funding more than 750 environmental projects in over 60 countries that help safeguard precious marine habitats and biodiversity, combat ocean acidification, plastic pollution, and build climate resilience. The foundation also stimulates sustainable development and the blue economy.

Prince Albert II’s work has also been a driving force in promoting cross-sector collaboration on behalf of the global ocean. The Monaco Blue Initiative brings together scientists, policymakers, environmental advocates, and business leaders to advance marine protection and sustainable ocean governance. Jointly organized by Prince Albert II’s Foundation and the Oceanographic Institute founded by his great-great-grandfather, Prince Albert I, these annual gatherings produce recommendations that inform international ocean policy and climate negotiations at the highest levels.

"It is truly a great honour to stand before you today to accept WHOI’s Centennial Medal from such a renowned institution, one that has constantly advanced our understanding of the ocean for almost a century,” said Prince Albert II. “This medal holds a great symbolic significance for me. It embodies the long-standing tradition of Monaco in favour of the promotion of oceanographic sciences, in the footsteps of my great-great-grandfather, Prince Albert the 1st."

On Wednesday, June 11, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution presented His Serene Highness, Prince Albert II of Monaco, its inaugural Centennial Medal, in recognition of his extraordinary work to raise awareness, inspire action, and advance ocean science and technology for the global good. (Photo by: Ken Kostel, ©Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

WHOI is the world’s leading independent oceanographic research institution, and in the run-up to its 100th anniversary in 2030, is honoring a select group of ocean explorers, advocates, and philanthropists. The Centennial Medal recognizes individuals and organizations for significant contributions to understanding, protecting, and raising awareness of the ocean.

“As a renowned champion of ocean conservation, a leader in climate diplomacy and action, and a generous ally of science, Prince Albert II exemplifies the spirit of this award,” said de Menocal.

This fall, WHOI will kick off the public phase of its Campaign for Our Ocean Planet, a seven-year effort dedicated to advancing the frontiers of ocean knowledge and accelerating the search for solutions.

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About Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is a private, non-profit organization on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, dedicated to marine research, engineering, and higher education. Established in 1930, its mission is to understand the ocean and its interactions with the Earth as a whole, and to communicate an understanding of the ocean’s role in the changing global environment. WHOI’s pioneering discoveries stem from an ideal combination of science and engineering—one that has made it one of the most trusted and technically advanced leaders in fundamental and applied ocean research and exploration anywhere. WHOI is known for its multidisciplinary approach, superior ship operations, and unparalleled deep-sea robotics capabilities. We play a leading role in ocean observation and operate the most extensive suite of ocean data-gathering platforms in the world. Top scientists, engineers, and students collaborate on more than 800 concurrent projects worldwide—both above and below the waves—pushing the boundaries of knowledge to inform people and policies for a healthier planet. Learn more at whoi.edu.