# División Ficología del Museo de La Plata > research unit belonging to the La Plata Museum **Wikidata**: [Q118976560](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q118976560) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/division-ficologia-del-museo-de-la-plata ## Summary The División Ficología del Museo de La Plata (also known as División Ficología "Dr. Sebastián A. Guarrera" or Departamento Científico de Ficología) is a research institute dedicated to phycology—the scientific study of algae—located within the La Plata Museum in Argentina. It operates as a specialized research unit under the jurisdiction of the La Plata Museum in the city of La Plata, Buenos Aires Province. ## Key Facts - **Instance of**: Research institute - **Field of work**: Phycology (algae research) - **Part of**: La Plata Museum - **Location**: La Plata, Argentina - **Postal code**: B1900 - **Street address**: Paseo del Bosque (Circ 1ª, Secc B, Mzna 866, Parc 1) - **Coordinates**: -34.9106 latitude, -57.9416 longitude - **Headquarters coordinates**: -34.909111 latitude, -57.935222 longitude - **Director/Manager**: Silvia Estela Sala (supervisor role) - **Also known as**: División Ficología "Dr. Sebastián A. Guarrera", Departamento Científico de Ficología - **Jurisdiction**: La Plata Museum ## FAQs ### What is the primary focus of research at this division? The División Ficología specializes in phycology, the scientific study of algae, conducting systematic investigation and research within this biological discipline. ### Where is the División Ficología located? The division is housed within the La Plata Museum complex at Paseo del Bosque in La Plata, Argentina, with postal code B1900. ### Who oversees the División Ficología? Silvia Estela Sala serves as the supervisor and director/manager of the division, providing scientific leadership for its research activities. ### What is the relationship between this division and the La Plata Museum? The División Ficología operates as a constituent research unit of the La Plata Museum, falling under its administrative and scientific jurisdiction while functioning as a specialized research institute focused on phycological studies. ## Why It Matters The División Ficología del Museo de La Plata represents a critical node in Argentina's scientific research infrastructure, dedicated exclusively to advancing knowledge in phycology. As a specialized research unit within one of South America's most important natural history museums, it contributes to the understanding of algal biology, taxonomy, and ecology—fields with significant implications for ecosystem health, climate science, and biodiversity conservation. The division's existence within a museum setting allows for the integration of field research, specimen collection, and long-term preservation of algal samples, creating a comprehensive approach to phycological investigation that bridges active research with archival science. ## Notable For - Serves as a dedicated research institute exclusively focused on phycology within a major natural history museum - Operates under the scientific and administrative framework of the prestigious La Plata Museum - Named in honor of Dr. Sebastián A. Guarrera, reflecting institutional recognition of contributions to Argentine science - Maintains a dedicated supervisory director position ensuring focused scientific leadership - Functions as both a research-active laboratory and a scientific department within a museum ecosystem ## Body ### Organizational Structure and Classification The División Ficología del Museo de La Plata is formally classified as a research institute, distinguished from hybrid organizations by its dedicated focus on generating new knowledge through systematic investigation in the field of phycology. The entity operates with multiple official designations, including the honorific name División Ficología "Dr. Sebastián A. Guarrera" and the alternative title Departamento Científico de Ficología (Scientific Department of Phycology), reflecting its status as both a divisional unit and a scientific department within the museum's organizational hierarchy. As an instance of a research institute, the division exists specifically to conduct research rather than to provide education or commercial services. This classification distinguishes it from universities that balance teaching and research missions, positioning it instead as an operational entity conducting hands-on scientific investigation. ### Geographic Location and Facilities The division is physically located in La Plata, the capital city of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Its precise street address is Paseo del Bosque (Circ 1ª, Secc B, Mzna 866, Parc 1), with the postal code B1900. Geographic coordinates place the facility at approximately -34.9106 latitude and -57.9416 longitude, while headquarters coordinates are recorded as -34.909111 latitude and -57.935222 longitude. This location within the Paseo del Bosque area situates the division within La Plata's cultural and scientific district, adjacent to other research and educational institutions. ### Institutional Affiliation and Governance The División Ficología functions as an integral component of the La Plata Museum (Museo de La Plata), one of Argentina's most significant natural history museums. The division operates under the museum's jurisdiction, as documented in official references linking it to the broader institutional framework. This relationship provides the division with access to museum resources, collections, and infrastructure while maintaining its specific research focus. Current leadership is provided by Silvia Estela Sala, who serves in the capacity of director/manager with the specific qualifier of "supervisor." This supervisory role indicates responsibility for overseeing the division's research activities, scientific output, and operational functions. ### Research Focus and Scientific Discipline The division's exclusive field of work is phycology—the branch of botany concerned with the scientific study of algae. This encompasses the investigation of algal organisms across diverse contexts, including taxonomy, physiology, ecology, and distribution. By concentrating resources and expertise specifically on phycological research, the division contributes to the broader understanding of these ecologically vital organisms, which play fundamental roles in aquatic ecosystems, carbon cycling, and global oxygen production. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.sinca.gob.ar/) 2. [Source](https://www.museo.fcnym.unlp.edu.ar/div_arqueologia#:~:text=La%20Divisi%C3%B3n%20Arqueolog%C3%ADa%20realiza%20la,%2C%20Europa%2C%20%C3%81frica%20y%20Asia.) 3. [Source](https://www.museo.fcnym.unlp.edu.ar/div_ficologia) 4. [Source](https://monumentos.cultura.gob.ar/)