Galapagos Science Center is a leading research center located in Latin America, dedicated to the conservation of the Galapagos and its delicate ecosystems. Their mission is to support the sustainable development of iconic and native species, ecosystem goods and services, and the local population through interdisciplinary science, research, experiential education, and community outreach. As a research hub, the Galapagos Science Center facilitates both basic and applied scientific investigations to address complex problems in the natural laboratory of the Galapagos. They aim to educate students, local communities, and people worldwide about the challenges faced in stewardship of protected areas.

Through innovation, discovery, and learning, they strive not only to preserve the Galapagos but also other vulnerable environments around the world. The Galapagos Science Center works along three pillars: interdisciplinary research encompassing natural, social, and computational sciences, experiential education to raise awareness about global challenges, and community support through initiatives such as training courses, science education in local schools, and sustainable development initiatives. This esteemed institution is overseen by the GSC Advisory Board, consisting of experienced scientists from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) and the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ). The board provides strategic advice to the Co-Directors, Amanda Thompson (UNC) and Carlos Mena (USFQ), to guide the center's activities and future endeavors.

The team at Galapagos Science Center comprises dedicated individuals from both UNC and USFQ, each with expertise in various fields relevant to the center's research goals. From geographers studying the impact of extractive industries to assistant directors working towards enhancing the center's reputation, the team is committed to advancing scientific knowledge and promoting sustainable practices. Overall, Galapagos Science Center is committed to advancing research, education, and the conservation of the Galapagos Islands and other environmentally significant regions globally.