Researchers and congressional leaders are up in arms about a proposed
reorganisation of the Smithsonian Institution, which runs 16 museums and eight
research centres. The head of the Smithsonian, Lawrence Small, wants to close
several departments and consolidate its research activities. Last week, Robert
Fri, head of the National Museum of Natural History, stepped down in protest.
One potential casualty was the Conservation and Research Center in Virginia. But
the centre was spared after an outcry from lawmakers and scientists. The
Smithsonian’s Board of Regents has called for a panel to review the changes.
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