Supporting Groundbreaking Research
As the leading research institute in the islands for more than 45 years, the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) conducts on-site scientific research for the conservation of Galapagos species, habitats and ecosystems and also facilitates the groundbreaking research of other scientists and institutions.
The extensive body of knowledge on Galapagos species, habitats and ecosystems that exists today is a direct result of CDRS studies and our collaboration with, and support of, leading scientists from around the world.
CDRS guides and supports the in-situ research activities of an extensive network of national and global scientific experts and research institutions. In the past two decades alone, hundreds of investigators have carried out important research in the islands with the help of the CDRS Visiting Scientist Program.
CDRS extends its scientific and administrative resources to scientists to support their search for knowledge of the unique flora, fauna and ecosystems of Galapagos. In turn, visiting scientists increase our scientific understanding of the living laboratory that is Galapagos, and strengthen the role of CDRS as scientific advisor to the Ecuadorian government on Galapagos conservation research.
In many instances, visiting and resident scientists collaborate on specific research initiatives directly linked to the conservation priorities of the Galapagos National Park Service. The scope of research topics is broad, ranging from endemic species such as tortoises and land iguanas to introduced species including quinine, rats, and goats and extending to areas such as seismology and volcanology.
How the Visiting Scientists Program Works
Interested parties must submit their research project for assessment to the Galapagos National Park Service (GNPS), with the caveat that the projects must be funded in advance. Upon receipt of formal approval by the GNPS, CDRS personnel provide logistical support for arranging and carrying out the field and research activities in the islands.
CDRS expeditionary fee covers a variety of logistical and administrative support, including help with obtaining discounted local , exemption from the park entrance fee, hotel reservations , food and water supplies for field research, transport, boat hire, flights and on-site email and internet facilities and general logistics whilst in Galapagos.
CDRS recommends the use of Ecuadorian university students as field assistants and the training of Ecuadorian personnel is an important component of the Visiting Scientists Program. A basic working knowledge of Spanish is desirable.
How to Apply
Scientists wishing to conduct research or collections (i.e. live or dead organisms, organic or inorganic matter) within the Galapagos National Park must present the project proposal for approval at least six months before the intended start date of the project.
To help you develop your proposal further information and to ensure your safety and compliance with Galapagos National Park rules please read About the Proposal
For more information about the program see the Galapagos National Park Web Site
 |
|
 |
Procedures Manual for Scientific Visitors to Galapagos Islands (The link above leads to a page on the site of the Galapagos National Park. If the page does not load in English, you may need to click "EN" at the top of the page, then click "Investigation" under "Services" in the left hand column to view it in English.) |
|
|
 |
|