About the Galapagos Science Center
What is the Galapagos Science Center?
Created in 2011 through a partnership between the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) and the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), the Galapagos Science Center is the only university research institution in the Galapagos.
Our 20,000 square-foot facility contains four laboratories:
- Microbiology & Molecular Biology **add logo**
- Marine Ecology **add logo**
- Terrestrial Ecology **add logo**
- Data Science & Visualization **add logo**
Additional classrooms, meeting rooms, and offices are supported by an on-site staff of 14 professionals. The Consortium extends the reach of the GSC by bringing together academic institutions and partners for a richer, more complete understanding of island ecosystems and threats to their sustainability, and to improve the well-being of people and the planet through research, education, and community outreach.
What support can the GSC offer Consortium members?
Access To a Network of Experts
The GSC, through its professional staff, research advisors, Consortium partners, and long-standing relationships in the community and country, can ensure research projects get off to a strong start and continue to run smoothly.
Understanding Local Regulation
The GSC works closely with the Ecuadorian Ministry of the Environment and the Galapagos National Park to assist with proposals to simplify and expedite the required permitting process. Utilizing the team’s expertise, Consortium partners can navigate complex Ecuadorian regulations, and save time and money on permits, equipment, and materials.
Infrastructure and Staff Support
Resources at the GSC can help reduce the cost of research efforts in the islands by making equipment available, and the on-site team can provide aid such as procuring services at time of high demand and assisting in the field and with laboratory analysis.
Student Engagement
Consortium members enable students to have a transformative and global experience while advancing science and conservation efforts.
Long-term Datasets and Future Research Efforts
Members of the Consortium can partner with long-term research initiatives supported by the GSC, which not only provides access to existing datasets but also partnership in the long-term collaborative efforts to help preserve the Galapagos and other similar ecosystems.
Enhanced Global Research Visibility
With access and support from the only university science facility in the Galapagos, researchers can test hypotheses and gather integral data to tackle global challenges that can be shared locally, nationally, and globally. This visibility can help secure future funding for research projects and student opportunities in the future.