# Smithsonian Environmental Research Center > environmental research and educational facility operated by the Smithsonian Institution **Wikidata**: [Q2295408](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2295408) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smithsonian_Environmental_Research_Center) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/smithsonian-environmental-research-center ## Summary The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is an environmental research and educational facility operated by the Smithsonian Institution. Established in 1964 and located in Edgewater, Maryland, it functions as a research institute, museum, and school. The center succeeded the Smithsonian Radiation Biology Lab in 1983 and serves as a prominent hub for scientific study under the Smithsonian umbrella. ## Key Facts - **Official Name:** Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) - **Inception:** 1964 - **Location:** 647 Contees Wharf Road, Edgewater, MD 21037-0028 (Anne Arundel County, United States) - **Coordinates:** 38.8866° N, 76.5426° W - **Parent Organization:** Smithsonian Institution - **Leadership:** Anson H. Hines (Director/Manager) - **Entity Type:** Research institute, museum, and school - **Predecessor:** Smithsonian Radiation Biology Lab (replaced in 1983) - **Website:** https://serc.si.edu/ ## FAQs ### Q: Where is the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center located? A: The center is located at 647 Contees Wharf Road in Edgewater, Maryland (Anne Arundel County), United States. ### Q: When was the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center founded? A: The facility was originally established in 1964. It replaced the Smithsonian Radiation Biology Lab in 1983. ### Q: Who operates the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center? A: It is operated by the Smithsonian Institution and is currently directed by Anson H. Hines. ## Why It Matters The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center plays a critical role as a primary research arm of the Smithsonian Institution, dedicated to environmental research and education. By integrating the functions of a research institute, a museum, and a school, SERC provides a multidisciplinary approach to understanding environmental processes. Its establishment in 1964 marked a significant commitment by the Smithsonian to ongoing ecological study, eventually evolving from its origins as the Smithsonian Radiation Biology Lab. Located on a specific site in Edgewater, Maryland, the center serves as a physical anchor for scientific data collection and education, contributing to the broader body of knowledge managed by the Smithsonian complex. ## Notable For - **Multifaceted Classification:** Uniquely classified as simultaneously functioning as a research institute, a museum, and a school. - **Historical Evolution:** Successfully transitioned from the "Smithsonian Radiation Biology Lab" in 1983 to its current identity, reflecting a shift in scientific focus. - **Institutional Authority:** Operates under the prestigious Smithsonian Institution, leveraging global recognition and resources. - **Established History:** Has a continuous operational history dating back to 1964. - **Digital Presence:** Maintains an active and verified digital footprint for public engagement, including a verified Twitter account (@SmithsonianEnv) with over 11,000 followers. ## Body ### Identity and Classification The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (commonly abbreviated as SERC) is a distinct unit within the Smithsonian Institution. It holds a unique classification structure, identified as an instance of a **research institute**, a **museum**, and a **school**. This multi-faceted designation allows it to conduct high-level research while simultaneously engaging in public education and exhibition. ### Location and Geography SERC is physically situated in the United States, specifically in **Anne Arundel County, Maryland**. * **Address:** 647 Contees Wharf Road, Edgewater, MD 21037-0028. * **Coordinates:** Latitude 38.8866, Longitude -76.5426. ### History The facility traces its origins back to **1964**, serving as a long-standing pillar of the Smithsonian's scientific endeavors. A significant organizational shift occurred in **1983**, when the center took on its current name and mandate, replacing the former **Smithsonian Radiation Biology Lab**. ### Leadership and Governance The center is a direct subordinate of the **Smithsonian Institution**. As of the latest records, the facility is managed by **Anson H. Hines**, who serves as the Director. ### Digital and Academic Identifiers SERC is indexed and tracked by numerous global academic and database systems: * **GRID ID:** grid.419533.9 * **ROR ID:** 032a13752 * **ISNI:** 0000000086120361 * **Library of Congress Authority ID:** no90013282 ### Online Presence The center maintains an official website at **https://serc.si.edu/** (English). It actively engages with the public through social media platforms, including **Twitter (@SmithsonianEnv)** and **Facebook (smithsonian.serc)**. Its social media presence is verified, with a follower count recorded at 11,224 as of February 2023. ## References 1. GRID Release 2017-01-10 2. [Source](https://www.si.edu/ResearchCenters) 3. [Source](https://serc.si.edu/directors-letter) 4. [Source](https://siarchives.si.edu/blog/establishment-smithsonian-radiation-biology-laboratory) 5. [Source](https://siarchives.si.edu/history/smithsonian-environmental-research-center) 6. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology 7. GRID Release 2015-12-14 8. GRID Release 2016-12-06 9. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions 10. Biodiversity Heritage Library 11. Microsoft Academic Knowledge Graph 12. [Source](https://serc.si.edu/) 13. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)