National Cave and Karst Research Institute

The National Cave and Karst Research Institute (NCKRI) is a research institute based in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Established in 1998 by the US Congress, NCKRI is a partnership between the National Park Service, the State of New Mexico, and the City of Carlsbad. Operating as a research center of the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, NCKRI is a small organization with a team of four employees. NCKRI focuses on advancing the scientific understanding of caves and karst formations. Their mission encompasses a variety of activities, including conducting speleological research, centralizing and standardizing information related to caves, and fostering collaboration among researchers from different disciplines. NCKRI also plays a crucial role in public education about caves and karst ecosystems, promoting environmental protection initiatives, and developing sustainable resource management practices. NCKRI's commitment to interdisciplinary research and its role as a central hub for cave and karst information distinguish it within the scientific community. The institute's enabling legislation emphasizes the importance of national and international cooperation in protecting these unique and vulnerable environments. For more information about NCKRI and its research initiatives, please visit their website at nckri.org.