By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–The San Diego Natural History Museum received a $10 million endowment to help the museum strengthen its existing science and conservation work.
The generous gift from Dr. Irwin Jacobs will establish the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Center for Science and Conservation at the San Diego Natural History Museum.
“This landmark gift is an investment in our science and in the future of our region,” explained Judy Gradwohl, the Christy Walton president and CEO of the San Diego Natural History Museum. “We are grateful for the opportunity to expand our research and ensure that our region’s biodiversity is studied, resilient, and celebrated for years to come. It boosts our ability to employ new technology, work with partner organizations, and train the next generation of conservation scientists.”
The gift comes on heels of the museum’s 150th anniversary celebration and helps the organization realize 82% of its $50 million Here for Nature Capital Campaign. Private donations of this size are rare and treasured, according to Gradwohl.
According to the museum, the contribution will help them remain at the forefront of research, deepen their impact, and expand their role as a science and conservation leader.
“Joan and I have always believed in the power of science to make a difference,” explained Dr. Jacobs. “With this endowment, I hope to ensure that The Nat continues to lead the way in understanding and protecting the incredible biodiversity of our region. This is about investing in the future of scientific discovery and research.”
The museum uses its research collection of nearly 9 million specimens to advance conservation work in Southern California and the Baja California Peninsula. Dr. Jacobs is particularly interested in fostering The Nat’s efforts to modernize its natural history research through technological innovation and emerging science. Current projects include:
● Using robotics, AI, and computer vision to streamline specimen sorting and identification and prepare insects for genomic analysis. The team is also developing California’s first insect DNA barcode library—an unprecedented step in entomology to facilitate insect biodiversity research.
● Cutting-edge research that can help improve medicine for humans. Scientists from the Salk Institute are testing historical plant specimens from The Nat’s herbarium that could potentially treat dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
● A first-of-its-kind Healthy Canyons project. Conservation biologists at The Nat are leading interdisciplinary research on local urban canyons, all while working with other organizations and local communities to protect these valuable green spaces.
The newly renamed Joan and Irwin Jacobs Center for Science and Conservation will expand research and training opportunities for the next generation of researchers, foster collaborations with other leading academic research and conservation organizations, and leverage the museum’s collections to inform future conservation strategies. These will ensure the museum remains at the forefront of science and conservation for the foreseeable future.
“Thanks to the generosity of Dr. Jacobs and many others in our community, we’re poised to shape the next 150 years—driving discovery, advancing science, and inspiring generations to care for our natural world,” added Gradwohl.
