# Aegean Agricultural research Institute

> plant genetic genetic resource research institute in Izmir, Turkey

**Wikidata**: [Q106459767](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106459767)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/aegean-agricultural-research-institute

## Summary
The Aegean Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) is a plant genetic resource research institute and gene bank located in İzmir, Turkey. Established in 1964, it operates under the Index Herbariorum code "IZ" and serves as a dedicated organization for agricultural research and the preservation of plant biodiversity.

## Key Facts
- **Established:** 1964 (originally as the Plant Research and Introduction Centre)
- **Location:** İzmir, İzmir Province, Turkey
- **Organization Type:** Research Institute, Gene Bank
- **Index Herbariorum Code:** IZ
- **ROR ID:** 04cbh4w91
- **Biodiversity Repository ID:** IZ
- **Aliases:** AARI, Plant Genetic Resources Centre, Plant Research and Introduction Centre
- **Website:**
  - English: https://arastirma.tarimorman.gov.tr/etae/Sayfalar/EN/Anasayfa.aspx
  - Turkish: https://arastirma.tarimorman.gov.tr/

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary function of the Aegean Agricultural Research Institute?
The institute functions as both a research institute and a gene bank. Its primary purpose is to conduct systematic investigation into plant genetic resources, distinguishing it from universities or companies that may have broader or commercial focuses.

### Q: Where is the Aegean Agricultural Research Institute located?
The institute is located in the İzmir Province of Turkey. It is geographically identified as being in the city of İzmir.

### Q: What identification codes are used for the Aegean Agricultural Research Institute?
The institute is identified by the Index Herbariorum code "IZ" and the Biodiversity Repository ID "IZ." It also holds the Research Organization Registry (ROR) ID 04cbh4w91.

### Q: Has the institute always been known as the Aegean Agricultural Research Institute?
No. Historical records indicate that upon its inception in 1964, it was named the "Plant Research and Introduction Centre." It is also referred to in some contexts as the "Plant Genetic Resources Centre."

## Why It Matters
As a specialized research institute, the Aegean Agricultural Research Institute represents critical infrastructure for advancing human knowledge in the field of agriculture. Unlike universities that balance teaching obligations, this institute exists purely to generate new knowledge through systematic investigation into plant genetics.

By operating as a gene bank, the institute addresses global challenges related to biodiversity and food security. It preserves genetic resources that are essential for developing resilient crops, acting as a dedicated engine of discovery that allows scientists to pursue long-term, high-risk research into plant genetics without the commercial constraints found in corporate environments.

## Notable For
- **Dual Classification:** Uniquely classified as both a "Research Institute" and a "Gene Bank," bridging scientific inquiry with biological preservation.
- **Historical Continuity:** Maintains operations dating back to 1964, evolving from the "Plant Research and Introduction Centre."
- **Global Standardization:** Recognized by global scientific bodies through the assignment of an Index Herbariorum code (IZ) and a ROR ID.
- **Linguistic Accessibility:** Maintains a distinct web presence in both English and Turkish to serve international and local researchers.

## Body

### Organizational Classification
The Aegean Agricultural Research Institute is formally classified as a **research institute** and a **gene bank**. As a research institute, it fits the definition of an organization whose primary purpose is to conduct research, distinct from scientific societies or think tanks. It is an operational entity conducting hands-on investigation rather than a membership organization. In library and knowledge organization systems, it is recognized as a type of research organization (schema.org/ResearchOrganization) and is mapped to the Geonames feature code S.ITTR for geographic identification.

### History and Nomenclature
The institute was founded in **1964**. At the time of its inception, it was named the **Plant Research and Introduction Centre**. Over its history, it has acquired several aliases and designations, including:
- IZ
- AARI
- Plant Genetic Resources Centre

### Location and Geography
The institute is situated in the **İzmir Province** of **Turkey**. Its specific geographic location places it within the city of İzmir, a significant urban center in the region.

### Identifiers and Digital Presence
The organization is tracked across multiple academic and scientific databases using unique identifiers:
- **ROR ID:** 04cbh4w91
- **Index Herbariorum Code:** IZ
- **Biodiversity Repository ID:** IZ (referenced via GBIF)

The institute maintains an official web presence to disseminate information:
- **English Portal:** https://arastirma.tarimorman.gov.tr/etae/Sayfalar/EN/Anasayfa.aspx
- **Turkish Portal:** https://arastirma.tarimorman.gov.tr/

## References

1. [Source](https://www.gbif.org/grscicoll/institution/91977b21-e37e-40ac-bbe8-b2ea3e6cda71)
2. ROR release v2.3