Friends of the Collections

Friends of the Collections support the largest and most complete university-based oceanographic collection in the world. Comprised of millions of biological and geological marine specimens, the collections are irreplaceable because they record the state of the ocean environment at specific points in time over the past century. They tell a unique and evolving story of life on Earth and provide answers to questions about our planet’s future.

Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego is one of the world's oldest, largest and most important centers for ocean, earth and atmospheric science research, education and public service.

Since its beginnings, the institution has featured a public aquarium and outreach center - now the Birch Aquarium - to serve as a public exploration center, interpreting Scripps research and communicating scientific understanding of the oceans, atmosphere and Earth for the benefit of society and the planet.

Join us

Become a Member

NAME A SPECIES

$5,000-$50,000+

  • A framed print of your named organism
  • A copy of the scientific publication in which it is first described
  • Friend of the Collections Membership

SPONSOR THE COLLECTIONS

$2,500-$25,000

  • Prominent listing on a plaque within the Collections
  • Exclusive Collections tours
  • Friend of the Collections Membership

FRIENDS OF THE COLLECTIONS

$1,000

UC SAN DIEGO ALUMNI  $750 | SCRIPPS ALUMNI  $500
  • Invitation to "Behind the Scenes" science events featuring world-renowned Scripps scientists and students
  • Exclusive pier tour guided by Scripps scientist or student
  • Invitations to seasonal EWSA events, monthly Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science lecture series, and select exhibit openings
  • Entrance to Birch Aquarium with 8 one-time admission passes and invitations to exclusive Birch events