# American Entomological Institute

> entomological institute in the USA

**Wikidata**: [Q23933017](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q23933017)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/american-entomological-institute

## Summary
The American Entomological Institute (AEI) is a nonprofit research organization based in the United States dedicated to the study of entomology. Founded by entomologists Henry K. Townes and Marjorie Chapman Townes, the institute historically operated in Ann Arbor and Gainesville before moving to Logan. As of July 2016, it has been affiliated with Utah State University.

## Key Facts
- **Also Known As**: AEI
- **Type**: Nonprofit organization, research institute, and entomological organization.
- **Founders**: Henry K. Townes and Marjorie Chapman Townes.
- **Current Location**: Logan, United States (affiliated with Utah State University since July 2016).
- **Previous Locations**: Gainesville (starting 1985) and Ann Arbor (ending 1985).
- **Primary Field**: Entomology.
- **Website**: http://www.amentinst.org/
- **Identifiers**: GRID ID: grid.432334.1; ROR ID: 02md5ab07; ISNI: 0000000121660102.
- **Repository ID**: AEIC (Biodiversity Repository).

## FAQs
### Q: Who founded the American Entomological Institute?
A: The institute was founded by Henry K. Townes and Marjorie Chapman Townes.

### Q: Where is the American Entomological Institute currently located?
A: As of July 2016, the institute is located in Logan, United States. It previously operated in Gainesville (from 1985) and Ann Arbor (before 1985).

### Q: Is the American Entomological Institute part of a university?
A: Yes, since July 2016, the institute has operated as a parent organization under Utah State University.

## Why It Matters
The American Entomological Institute serves as a significant specialized hub for entomological research and classification. Its association with prominent entomologists Henry K. Townes and Marjorie Chapman Townes underscores its historical importance in the field. The transition of the institute's physical location to Utah State University in 2016 highlights an effort to preserve and integrate its specialized collections and research legacy within a major academic framework. By maintaining a focused mandate on entomology, the AEI contributes to the broader scientific understanding of insect biodiversity and taxonomy, providing resources identified by major bibliographic and research databases such as the Global Research Identifier Database (GRID) and the Library of Congress.

## Notable For
- **Specialized Focus**: Dedicated exclusively to entomological research and organization.
- **Legacy Leadership**: Established by Henry K. Townes and Marjorie Chapman Townes, notable figures in entomology.
- **Academic Integration**: Transitioned in 2016 to become affiliated with Utah State University, ensuring the continuity of its collections.
- **Historical Mobility**: Operated across major research hubs, moving from Ann Arbor to Gainesville in 1985, and subsequently to Logan in 2016.
- **Research Identifiers**: Recognized by multiple global scientific identifiers including ROR, ISNI, and Ringgold (166826).

## Body

### Organizational History and Location
The American Entomological Institute (AEI) is a nonprofit research institute classified as an entomological organization. It was established by Henry K. Townes and Marjorie Chapman Townes. Throughout its history, the institute has relocated its operations to different hubs of entomological research:
- **Ann Arbor**: The institute was originally based here, with operations ending in 1985.
- **Gainesville**: The institute moved to Gainesville in 1985.
- **Logan**: In July 2016, the institute moved to Logan. This move coincided with its establishment as a parent organization under **Utah State University**.

### Identity and Classification
The institute is identified by the acronym **AEI** and the biodiversity repository ID **AEIC**. It is registered as a nonprofit organization focused on research. In terms of international scientific identifiers, the AEI holds:
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: n50060170
- **ISNI**: 0000000121660102
- **VIAF ID**: 137175986
- **ROR ID**: 02md5ab07
- **GRID ID**: grid.432334.1

The institute operates primarily in English and maintains a digital presence at `http://www.amentinst.org/`. It is referenced in academic and library databases such as IDRef (067168205) and the Biodiversity Heritage Library (creator ID 301022).

## References

1. [GRID](https://www.grid.ac/institutes/grid.432334.1)
2. [Source](http://www.amentinst.org/founders.html)
3. [Source](http://www.amentinst.org/hktownes.php)
4. [Source](http://www.amentinst.org/home.php)
5. GRID Release 2017-01-10
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions