Science & Research

Scientific Research Projects in the Park

All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory
The Smokies All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI), an initiative of Discover Life in America, aims to catalog the estimated 60,000 to 80,000 species in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The ATBI is gaining ground in scientific discoveries, having doubled the number of known species in the park from around 10,000 when the project began in 1998 to over 22,000 species today. This includes more than 11,000 species that represent new records for the park and over 1,000 species that are new to science. Scientists estimate that a substantial 60% to 70% of the current species in the Smokies are still waiting to be discovered.

The ATBI's core concept is straightforward: to effectively manage and protect our environment, we must first understand its biodiversity. This involves not only identifying species but also mapping their habitats, genetic diversity, population densities, and interactions like symbiosis and predation. The Smokies ATBI represents a collaborative effort among scientists across various fields to discover new species, identify emerging threats, and safeguard this complex and valuable ecosystem.

Visit the Discover Life in America ATBI website to learn how you can become involved in this fascinating and important project.

Appalachian Highlands Science and Learning Center
Located in The Purchase, North Carolina, the Appalachian Highlands Science and Learning Center is one of 17 National Park Service Research Learning Centers across the United States. The center aims to enhance scientific research in the national park and make findings accessible to the public.

Students from middle school, high school, and college, along with their teachers, collaborate with scientists and park staff on a variety of projects, ranging from salamander population monitoring to air quality studies. During the summer field season, students are actively recruited to serve as research assistants for extended scientific projects.

In addition to its focus on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the center promotes research and education across other National Park Service areas, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, and Obed Wild and Scenic River. The center also assists researchers with logistics, permits, and data access for their work within these parks.

To learn more about opportunities at The Purchase call (828) 926-6251 or visit the Purchase website.

Citizen Science
The park relies heavily on the support of volunteers for various activities. Teachers, student groups, retirees, and many others contribute significantly by assisting in the collection of valuable data for scientific studies and resource management projects. Those volunteers who may not have formal scientific training but still play a key role in research are often referred to as Citizen Scientists.

Permit for Scientific Research

• Research Permits: For information regarding scientific research permits, please visit the National Park Service's Research Permit and Reporting website.

• Research Needs: Great Smoky Mountains National Park has numerous issues and research questions and is seeking assistance to address them.

• Contact Information: If you have specific questions related to research projects in the Smokies, please e-mail or call us at (828) 926-6251.

View a list of active research permits as of 11 September, 2025