Carnegie Institution for Science

Carnegie scientists are leaders in the fields of plant biology, developmental biology, Earth & planetary science, astronomy, and global ecology. They seek answers to questions about the structure of the universe; the formation of our Solar System and other planetary systems; the behavior and transformation of matter when subjected to extreme conditions; the origin of life; the effects of climate change on forests, oceans, and other habitats; the function of plant, animal, and microbial genomes; and the development of organisms from single-celled eggs to adults. Andrew Carnegie founded our organization in 1902 as a place for scientific discovery. His intention was for the institution to be home to exceptional individuals—men and women with imagination and extraordinary dedication capable of working at the cutting edge of their fields. We are headquartered in Washington, D.C. and have six scientific departments split between the coasts, as well as observatories in Chile. We are an endowed, independent, nonprofit institution. Significant additional support comes from federal grants and private donations. A board of trustees, consisting of leaders in business, the sciences, education, and public service, oversees Carnegie’s operations. Each of the six departments has its own scientific director who manages day-to-day operations under the leadership of President Eric Isaacs.