Henry Houghton served for 25 years as Head of the Department of Meteorology (which became the Department of Meteorology and Physical Oceanography).  During that long period, the Department established an unsurpassed standard of excellence in these fields.

On his death, Prof. Houghton left the bulk of his estate to the new Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences to establish the Henry Houghton Fund.  The Houghton bequest is for “support of research by students in the fields of meteorology and physical oceanography or for any other purpose that enhances and enriches the total educational experience of such students.” The Houghton Fund Committee has interpreted this language to include also most aspects of the study of climate. 

The Houghton Fund Committee supports several specific PAOC-wide activities:

1.    The Henry G. Houghton Lecture Series.  Distinguished visitors are invited from outside MIT to spend periods of time here, ranging from about one week to several months.  Usually, a short-course or a series of lectures is given on some topic of wide interest.  Suggestions for Houghton Lecturers are welcomed from everyone.

2.    PAOC Retreat.  The Houghton Fund supports this annual autumn event.

In addition, the Houghton Fund offers the following support individually to PAOC students.  For this purpose, "PAOC students" includes all those enrolled in any of the four degree programs incorporated in PAOC:  atmospheric science, chemical oceanography, physical oceanography, and climate physics and chemistry.  Students in these programs should direct requests for support to the Houghton Fund, and not to the Departmental Research Fund.  Students in other educational programs, including those who have, by request, formally joined PAOC, cannot apply to the Houghton Fund; instead, they should direct requests for support to the Departmental Research Fund.

·         Professional Society Membership.  Each year, the Houghton Fund will pay for one membership in a professional society and one journal subscription from that society, at the eligible student rate.  Please bring a proof of payment (e.g., canceled check or receipt) to Kristen Barilaro, who will arrange reimbursement.  (Consult your adviser if in doubt about the most appropriate society to join.)  Surprisingly, few students take advantage of this opportunity.

·         Thesis binding.  The fund will cover the cost of binding two copies of PhD theses.  See Kristen Barilaro (54-1614) to arrange it.

·         Thesis Processing Fees.  The fund repays processing fees of $50 for a Master's Degree or $105 for a Ph.D. Degree.  To be reimbursed, give Kristen Barilaro your receipt (54-1614).

·         Funds for students’ educational and related expenses.  Graduate students' activities evolve from being primarily educational in the early years to being increasingly research-oriented in later years.  Accordingly, effective Fall Semester 2004, Houghton Fund support is structured differently for those in years 1-2, and those in year 3 and later.  See the links below for guidelines and method of application for these grants.

Houghton Fund grants for students in their first two years of graduate study.

Houghton Fund grants for students in their third and subsequent years of graduate study.