Earl S.
Tupper
Research, Library and Conference Center
A global center
for tropical science
Projects and Stories
Tupper
Seminars & Events
Currently, we have no upcoming seminars. For more information click here.
The nerve center of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute stands beside Ancón Hill, the Panama-flag topped landmark at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. Named for benefactor Earl S. Tupper, the center has modern laboratories, a tropical sciences library, herbarium, insect collection, a conference center, and the institute’s administrative headquarters.
Research
More than a dozen staff scientists have laboratories and offices at the Tupper center. Their work represents a broad spectrum of STRI’s terrestrial tropical science, which addresses questions ranging from how climate change will affect forests to the history of human societies in the tropics. STRI's herbarium, soils lab, plant physiology lab and entomology lab are housed at Tupper.
Science in Action
A composting fly could significantly
reduce organic waste in Panama
A lifelong passion for tropical
Insects leads to generous support
Six new species named:
3 from Panama, 3 from Colombia
Language and cultural “intercambios” bring the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute community together
The argument for GEO-TREES, a standard measure of forest carbon
Drink Coffee, Eat Chocolate,
Save Birds!
Together but not mixed up:
Fungi, ants and birds
Community Reforestation:
Action-Based Participatory Science
Purpose and Chance in the Making of an Academic Career (Or, at least, in my academic career)
Anthony G. Coates,
Senior Scientist Emeritus (1936-2022)
STRI Director Josh Tewksbury’s
Remarks on Harassment
Engineering drought-resistant plants may be more difficult than it seems
Microscopic wood analyses
reveal source of cathedral altarpiece
Joshua Tewksbury
named Director of
Smithsonian Tropical
Research Institute
Oris I. Sanjur — How did I get here?
Scientists' Stories
Peruvian Amazonian shaman rose to power on promises of liberation and immortality
New fossil catfish species identified through 3D visualization technology
Director Emeritus
Matthew Larsen retires
Directorship named in honor
of Ira Rubinoff
Research and Empowerment
Transform Science Education
in Panama and the World
Pollination guide aims to
avert global pollination crisis
Ira Rubinoff,
Emeritus Director,
retires from STRI
Matthew Larsen
named director of
Smithsonian Tropical
Research Institute
People
STRI’s administrative headquarters keeps tabs on all aspects of the institute’s operations. Scientific visitors can find orientation and resources to make their visits smooth and productive.
Services and Resources
The Tupper campus has offices and research laboratories for scientists as well as space for visiting researchers, fellows and students. The library has an unrivalled collection of tropical sciences resources. There is a large auditorium, conference rooms, a full-service cafeteria and gift shop. The main building houses the offices for the director, associate directors, academic dean, visitor services office, communications and administrative branches of STRI.
Library
The STRI Library and Archive holds one of the world’s most comprehensive repositories for tropical sciences. Its origins can be traced to the bibliographic collections established at the Barro Colorado Island’s field station in 1925. It provides information-related services to both general public and visitors with a valid Smithsonian Institution ID.
Herbarium
STRI’s herbarium is a vast repository of the flora of Panama. It has more than 6,000 specimen records of which 5,100 are identified to species. The collection represents 17 families, 485 genera and 1,695 species.
Microscopy
Tupper offers both scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy services including processing of biological and non-biological specimens (fixation, dehydration, critical point drying and metallic coating). This facility is available to researchers and industries in fields the biological sciences (botany, entomology, marine biology, paleontology), health, materials science and other related fields.
Communications Office
STRI’s communications professionals produce press releases, photography, videos, exhibits, posters, brochures and scientific illustrations. The team works closely with staff scientists and collaborate with the institute’s offices for public programs, academic programs and the director. The office handles media relations, social media and public relations.
Laboratories and Equipment
The Tupper complex has modern laboratories for entomology, plant physiology, soil sciences and microscopy. There is some general use equipment available for common use. Please contact the scientific coordination office for more information.
Auditorium and Conference Center
The seats 176 and hosts a weekly scientific seminar and other special events and presentations. A conference and exhibition room above the auditorium has a capacity of 200.
Arboretum
The arboretum is home to a surprising range of ecological interactions. Several trees, orchids, shrubs, epiphytes, cacti and fruit trees have been either planted or maintained at the arboretum. Besides humans, birds, butterflies and agoutis frequently visit the site. In 1992, STRI botanists identified some tree species in a small section of the former Hotel Tivoli, thus officially “founding” the arboretum. Today, the arboretum is an example of the richness of tropical environments in urban settings.
Cafeteria
Breakfast and lunch are served Monday to Friday, except on Panamanian holidays. Coffee and snacks are available until 3:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. on Tuesdays. The menu includes a variety of vegetarian options.
Accommodations
Ancon Housing is conveniently located near Tupper and CTPA facilities. There are a total of 8 shared apartments that can accommodate up to 20 people. Each apartment is equipped with a kitchenette, and there is a common laundry room available. Wi-Fi and hot water are provided. For more information, please contact vsohousing@si.edu.
Field vehicles
STRI has manual transmission 4x4 trucks available at most research facilities. Some labs have their own vehicles as well. These vehicles are for authorizes research activities and need to be booked in advance. Drivers need valid licenses, a U.S. government license (issued at STRI), and experience driving manual transmission vehicles in off-road conditions.
Maps and directions
The Earl S. Tupper building is located at Roosevelt Avenue in Ancón, on the western side of Panama City. You can take a taxi and ask the taxi driver to drop you off at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute near 4 de Julio Avenue on the same street as the investigative police station, or DIJ — Dirección de Investigación Judicial.
Tupper Center
Directional Map
Contact us
Visiting Scientists
For scientific visitors in need of support for research, please contact the scientific coordination office.
Scientific visitors in need of assistance with logistics, permits, vehicles or other administrative issues, please contact the Visitor Services Office.
Emergencies
Report all emergencies to STRI security
