Scripps Institution of Oceanography

research center, La Jolla, California, United States

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July 13, 2026

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The Scripps Institution of Oceanography is a leading research center located in La Jolla, California. It was established in 1903 as the Marine Biological Association of San Diego and became a department of the University of California in 1912. The institution is renowned for its extensive research in oceanography and Earth sciences.

A notable feature near the institution is Scripps Canyon, a shallow submarine canyon that is extensively studied due to its proximity to the institution. Oceanographer Walter Munk, a pioneer in ocean currents and wave propagation, earned his doctorate at Scripps and was a professor there, significantly contributing to the field of oceanography. Philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps was instrumental in its founding and made significant contributions to its development.123

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Ellen Browning Scripps
…is now known as the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. She made large gifts to Knox College and to the Bishops School in La Jolla. With Edward she founded the Scripps Memorial Hospital (later the Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation) in La Jolla. She also established Scripps College for Women, which…
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…is now known as the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. She made large gifts to Knox College and to the Bishops School in La Jolla. With Edward she founded the Scripps Memorial Hospital (later the Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation) in La Jolla. She also established Scripps College for Women, which…
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Richard H. Fleming
Fleming joined the Scripps Institution in La Jolla, California, in 1931 and served as assistant director from 1946 to 1950, when he left to become professor of oceanography at the University of Washington.
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Fleming joined the Scripps Institution in La Jolla, California, in 1931 and served as assistant director from 1946 to 1950, when he left to become professor of oceanography at the University of Washington.
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