Institute for Biodiversity Science & Sustainability

The Academy’s Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability is at the forefront of efforts to understand two of the most important topics of our time: the nature and future of life on Earth.

Based in San Francisco, the Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability is home to more than 100 research scientists and nearly 46 million scientific specimens from around the world—38,000 of which are alive and on display in the Academy’s Steinhart Aquarium. The Institute also leverages the expertise and efforts of the Academy's aquarium biologists and more than 100 international Research and Field Associates and 450 distinguished Fellows.

Through expeditions around the globe, captive breeding programs, and investigations in the lab, the institute’s scientists strive to understand the evolution and interconnectedness of life. Through these same efforts, as well as through partnerships, community outreach, and public engagement initiatives, the institute aims to guide critical conservation decisions and address the challenge of sustainability.

Curating Invaluable Collections

With nearly 46 million scientific specimens from around the world, the Academy’s research collections provide one of the best records of life on Earth, both now and in the past. This vast library of life—available to scientists around the world, both in person and online—helps us track the spread of disease, predict the impact of climate change, and much more.

Filling in the Tree of Life

Despite intensive efforts to document life on Earth, scientists estimate that more than 90 percent of the species on our planet have yet to be discovered. Academy scientists are racing to discover new species and determine their place on the tree of life—with the ultimate goal of protecting them before they disappear.

Understanding Patterns and Connections

To provide the best conservation recommendations, we must understand not only what lives where, but also how species reproduce, interact with one another and respond to threats. To address this need, Academy scientists map species distributions, analyze reproductive strategies, study food web and other ecosystem interactions, and more.

Tackling Conservation Challenges

Detailed knowledge about the evolution, distribution, and interconnectedness of life on Earth allows Academy scientists to make thoughtful conservation recommendations and participate in critical discussions about sustainability challenges. Through partnerships with governments and conservation organizations, community outreach, captive breeding programs, and public engagement initiatives, Academy scientists are helping to shape a sustainable future for our planet.

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Research Collections

Access our online collections or set up an in-person visit.
Anthropology
Botany
Entomology
Herpetology
Ichthyology
Invertebrate Zoology & Geology
Ornithology & Mammalogy

Academy Scientific Publications

Scientific Publications

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Academy Scientists in the News

Browse some of the recent press coverage about our people and their research:

Academy Curator of Anthropology Meets President Obama

Newly Discovered Mouse-like Mammal Is Closely Related to Elephants—Scientific American

Searching for the Holy Grail of Snake Bite Antidotes—PBS NewsHour

Into the Amazon—Indefinitely Wild

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Academy Fellows

A governing group of approximately 450 distinguished scientists, Academy Fellows have made notable contributions to one or more of the natural sciences and help further the reach of our research and education initiatives through individual and collaborative efforts with Academy researchers. Nominated by their colleagues and selected by the Board of Trustees, Academy Fellows remain members of the Fellowship for life.

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