Probe into the heart of the Smithsonian, and you’ll find science. From its beginning in 1846, the Institution was created to undertake basic research and educate the public about its findings. In fact, the Smithsonian’s mission—“for the increase and diffusion of knowledge”—initially referred solely to scientific knowledge gained by Smithsonian scientists exploring the world. It has expanded through the decades to include history, art and more.

Today, there are more than 500 Smithsonian scientists on staff, augmented by roughly 500 fellowship appointments and hundreds of international collaborators.

Smithsonian scientists are among the leaders in their fields nationally and internationally. They regularly publish research findings in major peer-reviewed publications, including Science, Nature and the Proceedings of the National Academies of Science.

Science plays a critical role in the daily life of the Institution. More than simply display science in a glass case, the Smithsonian does science. Smithsonian scientists work on all seven continents in a variety of disciplines. They explore the depths of the sea and distant solar systems. They are discovering new types of planets and expanding the scientific understanding of giant pandas and blue crabs.

The researchers conduct their work at museums and in field stations and laboratories around the world. The scientific knowledge does not stop with the scientist. In keeping with the Smithsonian’s mission, research findings are diffused through museum exhibits, mainstream publications and public classes. Scientists also share their research with colleagues around the world. For example, National Zoo scientists have trained more than 600 Chinese professionals in China to save endangered giant pandas and their habitat.

Smithsonian scientists achieve results, and much of their research impacts society. Currently, researchers from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and the National Museum of Natural History are applying their knowledge of bird biology and molecular genetics to understand how avian influenza is spread. A better understanding of these pathways will lead to a better ability to control the disease’s spread, and save the lives of its potential victims, both human and animal.

Smithsonian Science Mission

Smithsonian science is engaged in research and discovery focused on the following:

     • Origin and nature of the universe

     • Formation and evolution of the Earth and similar planets

     • Understanding biological diversity

     • Human diversity and cultural change

Recent Highlights of Smithsonian Science

NationalMuseum of Natural History (Washington, D.C.): Entomologists report that the first form of agriculture to evolve in ants was the “herding” of mealybug “livestock,” which very likely preceded by many millions of years the cultivation of fungus gardens by ants. June 2006

National Air and Space Museum (Washington, D.C.): Scientists at the museum’s Center for Earth and Planetary Studies announced the discovery of 21 dry river channels on Mars, new evidence of a warmer and wetter climate more than 3.5 billion years ago, when conditions may have been more favorable for life. June 2005

NationalZoological Park (Washington, D.C.): Reproductive scientists and veterinarians performed a successful artificial insemination procedure March 11, 2005, which resulted in the birth of a giant panda cub on July 9, 2005.

SmithsonianEnvironmental Research Center (Edgewater, Md., near the Chesapeake Bay): Researchers demonstrated, for the first time, a direct link between the amount of mercury in rain and the amount of toxic methylmercury accumulating in fish. August 2006

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (headquartered in Cambridge, Mass.): Astronomers reported a new type of “puffy” planet that is the biggest planet ever found inside or outside the Earth’s solar system. September 2006

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (Panama): Researchers from the institute’s Center for Tropical Forest Science consortium showed that nature encourages diversity—rare tree species survive preferentially and tropical forests become more diverse as they age. January 2006

Museum Conservation Institute (Suitland, Md.): Researchers identified the “Midas Touch” as a sophisticated application of gold-colored iron oxide to textiles found in the Midas tomb. August 2006