Biodiversity Research Institute
Who We Are
Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI), headquartered in Portland, Maine, is a nonprofit 501(c)3 ecological research group whose mission is to assess emerging threats to wildlife and ecosystems through collaborative research. We use scientific findings to advance environmental awareness and inform decision makers.
Where We Work
Our research team works across the globe with dedicated conservation biologists conducting studies and working with countries in nearly every corner of the world.
Mapped locations are color coded by BRI’s four Centers of excellence, with stars indicating current project. Future projects in development are without stars. Blue: Center for Climate Change and Conservation; Purple: Center for Mercury Studies; Orange: Center for Waterbird Studies’ Green: Center for Research on Offshore Wind and the Environment
BRI’s Centers of Research
BRI’s research capabilities have grown in response to pressing ecological issues, from the ability to study the natural history of loons to the development of new technologies that enable researchers to predict risks due to climate change and human development.
Recent News
October 2024
General news: Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) announces the appointment of John Schmerfeld as the new director of science operations. In this position, he will be responsible for the development and oversight of short-term and long-term strategic goals of the Institute’s four research centers and 17 science programs. Read the full press release here.
October 2024
General news: Check out the latest issue of BRI’s e-zine, One Drop of Water! Take a journey through the grasslands of South Dakota, learn about how biodiversity policy works in the United States, and open your eyes to the wonders of nature writing! Read all the articles here.
September 2024
Center for Research on Offshore Wind and the Environment: CROWE director Kate Williams is a co-author on a recently published paper focusing on technology gaps for monitoring wildlife at offshore wind facilities. The paper, Technology Gaps for Monitoring Birds and Marine Mammals at Offshore Wind Facilities is available here.
September 2024
General news: BRI is celebrating a milestone in its more than 25-year history—a groundbreaking ceremony that begins the expansion of the Institute’s headquarters. The ceremony will be held on September 5th from 10:45 to 11:30 AM at BRI’s headquarters at 276 Canco Road, Portland. “This groundbreaking ceremony is more than a gesture to mark the addition to our officebuilding,” says BRI founder, executive director, and chief scientist David Evers, Ph.D. “This event represents the growth of a committed team of conservation biologists who are making a difference in our local community, in our state, and in the world at large.” Read the press release here.
Connect with us!
BRI has a quarterly e-zine titled One Drop of Water, which features stories about our science, our scientists, and the critical intersection where science informs policy. The October issue is out now!
United Nations and BRI
BRI helps over 40 countries meet requirements for the Minamata Convention on Mercury by assisting with Minamata Initial Assessments and mercury inventories, reducing mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining practices, and evaluating effectiveness through mercury biomonitoring.
BRI is an official member of the UN Global Compact and an accredited observer organization for both the Minamata Convention and the Convention on Biological Diversity, as well as an Executing Agency for UNEP.
