Smithsonian Institute for Biodiversity Genomics

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Summary

  • In association with the publication of a special issue of "Science" on Avian Genomics, the Grand Challenges Consortia celebrates the launch of the new Smithsonian Institute for Biodiversity Genomics (BioGenomics). Genomics, the comprehensive study of an organism's genome, unifies and empowers all of the biological sciences. The integration of genomic science, methods, tools, applications, and findings has already had an immeasurable impact on all corners of scientific research in biodiversity and will lead to new discoveries that will benefit current and future human societies.
  • With the launch of BioGenomics the Smithsonian Institution will provide the high-profile, multi-disciplinary scholarship, leadership, collaborative spirit, and logistical support necessary to enhance our understanding of the natural world through genomics. The excellence, vision, and global reach of the Smithsonian is represented by the collections and field-based initiatives of our museums and research centers, including the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), the National Zoo (NZP), the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI), the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC), and the Museum Conservation Institute (MCI). Combining and coordinating our efforts in genomics will enable the Smithsonian, through synergistic opportunities, economies of scale, and partnerships to advance our knowledge and application of biodiversity genomics across all taxa in a multitude of both terrestrial and marine environments.
  • BioGenomics is launched at a special program on December 12, 2014, in the Smithsonian Castle Commons. The program includes presentations on Avian Genomics by Dr. Erich Jarvis (Professor at Duke University), the Global Genome Initiative (GGI) by Dr. Jonathan Coddington (Director of GGI, National Museum of Natural History), and the Smithsonian Institute for Biodiversity Genomics by Dr. W. John Kress (Interim Under Secretary for Science). The presentations were followed by a reception for all participants.

Subject

  • Coddington, Jonathan A
  • Kress, W. John
  • Jarvis, Erich
  • Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC)
  • Conservation Biology Institute (National Zoological Park)
  • National Museum of Natural History (U.S.)
  • Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI)
  • National Zoological Park (U.S.)
  • Smithsonian Institute for Biodiversity Genomics
  • Grand Challenges Consortium

Category

Chronology of Smithsonian History

Notes

SI Email Announcements, November 20, 2014, "Launch of the Smithsonian Institute for Biodiversity Genomics"

Contact information

Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Institution Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu

Date

December 12, 2014

Topic

  • Genetics
  • Biodiversity
  • Biological diversity

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