The Academy's Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability is home to more than 100 dedicated scientists, researchers, and support staff. Together, we travel the world in our efforts to discover new knowledge about Earth's biodiversity, and to rapidly apply that knowledge to a wide range of protections.
From specific initiatives such as our in-house Scientific Diving department—dedicated to surveying and protecting Earth's largely unexplored oceans—to priorities that include the rapid sharing and application of the data we collect, we're committed to being a visible and active force in efforts to sustain life on Earth.
The Hope for Reefs team made its Indian Ocean debut this October, beginning with biotic surveys of marine invertebrates in the shallows and concluding with a descent into the mesophotic zone in December—likely to be Zanzibar's first scientific exploration of this mysterious realm.
In October 2017, a team of Academy scientists traveled to Malaysia to conduct a floor-to-canopy biodiversity survey—or bioblitz—of the thriving, 130-million-year-old rainforest atop Penang Hill. Working alongside Malaysian colleagues, the team will share their observations of plant and animal life in real-time via iNaturalist.
In 2017, the Academy's deep and shallow dive teams ventured to the Micronesian archipelago of Palau to explore its remarkably pristine coral reefs and deploy ARMS devices—Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures—to gather data on reef ecology.
In April 2015, a team of scientists returned to the Philippines' Verde Island Passage, considered the most biologically diverse marine ecosystem on Earth, in search of new species and habitats not previously explored—including the mysterious depths of the "twilight zone," up to 500 feet beneath the ocean's surface.
The mission of the Academy's Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability (IBSS) is to gather new knowledge about life's diversity and the process of evolution—and to rapidly apply that understanding to our efforts to sustain life on Earth.
From low ponds to high mountain lakes, Academy researchers are working to protect Central Africa's amphibians.
Dr. Bob Drewes works to document and help protect São Tomé and Príncipe's many unknown, endemic species.
Dr. Brian Fisher investigates ant populations in one of the last remaining pristine forests in Madagascar.
In March 2014, ichthyologist Luis Rocha traveled to the Cayman Islands to study and collect invasive lionfish.
Academy scientists suspect the Verde Island Passage may be “the center of the center” of marine biodiversity.
The Afar region in Ethiopia has played host to some of the world's most important hominin discoveries.
The Gaoligong Shan region hosts one of the most diverse assemblages of plant and animal species in all of China.
Since 1997, Academy scientists have been documenting Myanmar's biodiversity and empowering local scientists.
Academy researchers joined international scientists to explore and survey the Red Sea's at-risk richness.
The Academy is home to the world's largest collection of scientific specimens from the Galápagos Islands.
North America, South America, Asia, Africa—our 2007–2012 expeditions spanned those continents and more.
Jack Dumbacher has been mapping bird distribution across Papua—making some startling discoveries in the process.
Proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of a scheduled museum visit is now required for all Academy guests ages 12+, along with photo ID for guests ages 18+. Masks are required indoors for all guests ages 2+. Thank you for your understanding and support—and for helping to keep our community safe.
