About

Invertebrates Research Center (IRC) is non-governmental research organization in Georgia founded by invertebrate systematics and ecology research proffesionals and students.

The organization was created in 2012 with the aim to establish independent, totally research-oriented scientific body in the Caucasus region. While Caucasus is one of the global biodiversity hotspot with rich and unique flora and fauna, our understanding of diversity and potential threats of invertebrate animals is in its infancy. The scientific community interested in research of any aspects of invertebrate animals is very diminished  in that way that only few active researcher are presented in Georgia. Hence the aim of IRC is to enhance and accelerate invertebrate diversity study in the Caucasus region by promoting and mobilizing human resources and research projects. Currently we have three main focus:

> inventory

Our aim is to collect and organizing information on the distribution and taxonomy of invertebrate animals in the Caucasus region. Since we have limited expertise in the region, we are only concentrated on taxa in which we have relevant knowledge (more details). However we are working to obtain connections with different institutions and individual scientists worldwide in order to help local students gain qualifications and professional knowledge in different groups of invertebrates. Apart the field collecting we are also trying to create well-curated collection which will be available for everyone. In this respect we are optimizing our personal collections and plan to develop relevant infrastructure. Currently there are two on-line data-base for Caucasian animals (to see click here and here) where we also deposit our data. However most of our information is still to be published. 

> ecology and biogeograpy 

> conservation of invertebrate animals.