Projects

  • Scientific Diver checks accuracy of data

    Scientific Diver checks accuracy of data

  • Divers excavate an archaeological site

    Divers excavate an archaeological site

  • Underwater communication is essential and challenging

    Underwater communication is essential and challenging

  • Retrieving experiments is a common task

    Retrieving experiments is a common task

  • Task sharing at depth requires teamwork

    Task sharing at depth requires teamwork

To further the Smithsonian Institution (SI) mission, The Increase and Diffusion of Knowledge, SI Scientists conduct underwater research across the globe.  This research focuses on three SI Grand Challenges;  Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet, Valuing World Cultures, or Understanding the American Experience.

See below for more information about some of these projects:

Marine Invasions Research Lab - Biological invasions in coastal marine ecosystems

The Marine Invasions Research Lab is a national and international center for research on biological invasions in coastal marine ecosystems.
https://serc.si.edu/labs/marine-invasions-research

O'Dea Lab - Change and variation in tropical seas

Aaron O’Dea is a Staff Scientist Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and Distinguished Researcher, SENACYT in Panama who studies change and variation in tropical seas.
https://aaronodea.wordpress.com/research-group/

The Deep Reef Observation Project (DROP)

Exploring Deep Reef Ecosystems in a Submersible: The Deep Reef Observation Project (DROP)
http://ocean.si.edu/exploring-deep-reef-ecosystems-submersible-deep-reef-observation-project-drop

The Marine Global Earth Observatory (MarineGEO)

The Marine Global Earth Observatory (MarineGEO), directed by the Smithsonian’s Tennenbaum Marine Observatories Network (TMON), is the first long-term, worldwide research program to focus on understanding coastal marine life and its role in maintaining resilient ecosystems around the world.
http://marinegeo.si.edu/

American Trail - Explore the treasures of North American wildlife

At the National Zoological Park guests can wander through landscaped trails and discover unparalleled opportunities to come face-to-face with California sea lions.
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/AmericanTrail/