The importance of the Smithsonian to the biological exploration of the U.S. and world is unsurpassed. Playing a key role in global biological exploration since 1846 and housing millions of specimens, it supports vital research in taxonomy, biodiversity and conservation. The National Museum of Natural History and the Tropical Research Institute lead global studies in ecology and species discovery. Through various initiatives, it promotes long-term ecological research and open scientific access, making it a cornerstone of biological science.