What is BSI?

The Big Sky Institute (BSI) is an interdisciplinary center dedicated to creating, applying, and communicating science-based knowledge to promote a deeper understanding of environmental systems, both in their own right and in relationship to the human communities that depend upon them.  BSI capitalizes on MSU's location in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to initiate and support integrated research programs that link processes from microscopic (e.g., microbial function in thermal features) to global (e.g., potential impacts of global change on Yellowstone's biodiversity).  BSI recognizes that many of the most pressing challenges to understanding the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem derive from the complex interactions between Yellowstone's diverse terrain and biota together with the growing human presence in the ecosystem.  To understand this complexity, BSI draws upon the talents of students and faculty from diverse disciplines and perspectives.  In addition, BSI works with an array of partners to insure that research results are communicated to the public and integrated into decision-making.  For example, BSI works with Montana K-12 teachers and MSU's science and math education programs to infuse current research into classroom teaching materials.

BSI and MSU

Although the concept of BSI has existed at MSU for some time, BSI was established in 1999 as an institute at Montana State University, reporting to the MSU Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs.  BSI works with numerous colleges and departments at MSU and has a small staff funded primarilly through competitive research and project grants.

Who benefits from BSI?

• BSI works to ensure that the most robust science is available to those making the critical decisions about the fate of our wild landscapes in the face of diverse and ubiquitous challenges.
• The science of the environment gains from a dedicated facility (planned BSI Field Station) that integrates our understanding of the dynamics of an ecosystem in which wild and rapidly urbanizing landscapes intermingle.
• Learners of all ages have the opportunity to engage in a scientific enterprise that encompasses all stages of scientific inquiry from defining the problem, to analyzing trends and consequences, to taking actions to ensure that Yellowstone and other large nature reserves continue to function as a source of inspiration for generations to come.
• BSI works closely with students at MSU to help them incorporate a meaningful research experience into their education.  BSI has worked with numerous students in the Undergraduate Scholar Program, employs students in research projects, hosts graduate students and post-doctoral scholars, and works with a diverse group of undergraduate and graduate students through the NSF GK12 Fellows Program.
• BSI is continually looking for ways to create meaningful benefits for students, MSU departments and faculty, and the citizens and communities of Montana and Greater Yellowstone.