The University of Wyoming Biodiversity Institute (BI) has merged within UW’s Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, effective July 1.

This strategic move reaffirms the BI’s mission to foster the understanding, appreciation and conservation of biological diversity in Wyoming and beyond while enhancing academic and community engagement.

The BI originally launched as part of the Haub School when it first opened its doors in 2013, but it later transitioned to the Research and Economic Development Division due to universitywide reorganization.

By returning to the Haub School, the BI reestablishes its roots within an academic department that shares its commitment to addressing complex environmental and natural resource challenges through collaborative research and education.

“We are excited to have the BI back in the Haub School, where our shared commitment to excellence in education and research in biodiversity will enhance our ability to serve the state in the management of our wild and working lands and the communities that value them so dearly,” says John Koprowski, Haub School dean and Wyoming Excellence Chair. “The formal partnership among like-minded and complementary units is a win-win for the BI and the Haub School, the university and the people of Wyoming.”

Enhanced Opportunities and Future Plans

The merger brings new opportunities for the BI to expand its existing projects. The alignment with the Haub School will allow for existing initiatives to expand and include new academic certifications and courses related to biodiversity conservation for both UW students and the public.

“I am thrilled to have the Biodiversity Institute join the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources,” says Haub School Associate Professor Joe Holbrook, the Wyoming Biodiversity Term Professor for the Jackson Fork Ranch-University of Wyoming Research Project. “Our aligned mission, passion and approach to partnering will create more collaborative opportunities to better serve the biodiversity of Wyoming and beyond.”

The merger ensures existing BI staff, projects and events will be maintained through its transition to its new home within the Haub School.

A Shared Mission

The BI’s mission to foster biological conservation aligns closely with the Haub School’s mission of addressing complex environmental and natural resource challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration, education and research.

“The merging of the Biodiversity Institute and the Haub School is a natural fit. Both emphasize creative and interdisciplinary avenues for ecological research that simultaneously engage with the people and places that help grow our understanding of and appreciation for the natural world and the importance of conservation,” says Kevin Monteith, a professor in the Haub School and Wyoming Excellence Chair. “The union is not only logical, but genuinely exciting.”

“We are delighted to join the Haub School’s growing community and eager to contribute to its collective mission,” says Brent Ewers, BI director and head of the UW Department of Botany. “By integrating our mission to foster conservation of biodiversity with theirs, we will expand our impact through collaborative research, education and outreach.”

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