# Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute

> zoo research center

**Wikidata**: [Q1127326](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1127326)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smithsonian_Conservation_Biology_Institute)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/smithsonian-conservation-biology-institute

## Summary
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) is a zoo research center and research institute located in Virginia, United States. Founded in 1974, it operates as a part of the Smithsonian Institution and is dedicated to the primary purpose of scientific research.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name:** Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
- **Also Known As:** Conservation and Research Center; SCBI
- **Type of Entity:** Zoo research center; Research institute
- **Founding Date:** 1974
- **Location:** Virginia, United States (Coordinates: 38.8877°N, 78.1652°W)
- **Mailing Address:** 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, DC 20008
- **Parent Organization:** Smithsonian Institution
- **Director/Manager:** Brandie Smith
- **Website:** http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/CRC/FrontRoyal/

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute?
A: The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) is a research institute and zoo research center founded in 1974. It is a division of the Smithsonian Institution located in Virginia.

### Q: Where is the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute located?
A: While its mailing address is listed in Washington, DC, the institute is geographically located in Virginia, United States, specifically at coordinates 38.8877, -78.1652 (Front Royal area).

### Q: Who is in charge of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute?
A: The institute is currently led by Director Brandie Smith. It operates under the broader governance of the Smithsonian Institution.

## Why It Matters
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute serves a critical role as a specialized hub for scientific inquiry within the Smithsonian Institution. Unlike a public zoo focused primarily on exhibition, the SCBI is classified fundamentally as a "research institute," indicating that its primary purpose is to conduct studies that advance biological knowledge and conservation strategies. By bridging the gap between zoo management and hard science, the institute provides essential data and research frameworks that support the longevity and health of animal populations. Its establishment in 1974 marked a significant commitment by the Smithsonian to prioritize conservation science, creating a dedicated facility where experts can focus on long-term ecological and biological challenges.

## Notable For
- **Dual Classification:** Uniquely classified as both a "zoo" (facility for keeping animals) and a "research institute" (organization dedicated to study).
- **Global Identifier Recognition:** Maintains extensive academic and organizational identifiers, including ROR (Research Organization Registry), GRID, ISNI, and a Ringgold ID, underscoring its legitimacy in the global scientific community.
- **Historical Establishment:** Founded in 1974, representing decades of continuous operation in conservation science.
- **Multilingual Recognition:** Holds official aliases in multiple languages, including Japanese (スミソニアン保存生態学研究所) and Chinese (史密松國家動物園暨保育生物學學院).

## Body
### Organizational Structure
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute is a subordinate unit of the **Smithsonian Institution**. It is managed by **Brandie Smith**, who oversees the facility's operations and strategic direction. The institute is formally recognized in academic and library systems under various identifiers, including the Library of Congress Authority ID (no2010187555) and VIAF ID (160535087).

### Location and Facilities
Although the institute retains a Washington, D.C. mailing address (3001 Connecticut Ave., NW), its physical operations are centered in **Virginia**, specifically situated at coordinates **38.8877° N, 78.1652° W**. This location functions as a dedicated campus for the "Conservation and Research Center" (a former name of the entity).

### History and Naming
The institute was officially established in **1974**. It has undergone naming changes, previously operating as the "Conservation and Research Center." Today, it is most commonly referred to by its acronym, **SCBI**.

### Research and Academic Presence
As a "research institute," the SCBI is integrated into the global scientific infrastructure. It is assigned a **ROR ID** (04hnzva96) and a **GRID ID** (grid.419531.b), which are used to track research affiliations in academic publishing. It is also listed as a funder in the Open Funder Registry (ID: 100009198), indicating it provides financial support for scientific research. The institute maintains a digital presence on platforms like iNaturalist (Place ID: 147737) and Atlas Obscura.

## References

1. [Source](https://isni.org/page/search-database/)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. [Source](https://www.si.edu/ResearchCenters)
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. [Source](https://siarchives.si.edu/history/smithsonian-conservation-biology-institute-scbi)
6. [Source](https://nationalzoo.si.edu/staff/brandie-smith)
7. GeoNames
8. GRID Release 2015-12-14
9. GRID Release 2016-12-06
10. GRID Release 2017-01-10
11. Quora
12. Microsoft Academic Knowledge Graph
13. [Source](https://nationalzoo.si.edu/)
14. HAL