IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute
Why choose IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute?
The Biodiversity Research Institute (IPBio) is a place where research meets conservation. IPBio is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that develops scientific research on biodiversity, ecology and ethology of fauna and flora of Brazilian ecosystems. In 2009, the reserve received accreditation as an "Advanced Outpost of The Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve" by UNESCO. IPBio’s mission is t...
The Biodiversity Research Institute (IPBio) is a place where research meets conservation. IPBio is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that develops scientific research on biodiversity, ecology and ethology of fauna and flora of Brazilian ecosystems. In 2009, the reserve received accreditation as an "Advanced Outpost of The Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve" by UNESCO. IPBio’s mission is to encourage wildlife conservation, sustainable management and use of natural resources; and promote the development of eco-tourism and cultural projects.IPBio always strives to combine research with education. Our infrastructure was designed to conduct research while simultaneously allow visitors on the reserve to visualize and learn about our native species. Furthermore, IPBio developed various e...
Follow Us
IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Great experience learning how inventories and longitudinal studies work!
March 31, 2026by: Esha G - United StatesI enjoyed learning about taxonomy, conservation, and science-based techniques for data collection. The field work was very immersive and focused on the actual conservation issues. The program is very well structured, and the repetition allows you to get comfortable with a wide variety of techniques.
23, Nervous & Absolutely No Regrets
March 29, 2026by: Mae Thiess - AustriaMy name is Mae and I am 23 years old. In February 2026, I had the privilege of volunteering with IPBio in Alter do Chão. Despite my initial hesitations, applying for this project turned out to be one of the best decisions. I learned so much about nature, about birds, and about myself. I developed a newfound fascination for birds and a deeper passion for protecting the environment, both of which I will carry with me long after returning home. I was fortunate to be part of the first group of the year, where everyone stayed for at least four weeks, which allowed us to truly get to know one another. The hardest part for me was definitely watching people leave. What I find so beautiful about IPBio is that everyone works toward a shared goal. The weekly presentations were a wonderful reminder of what we had collectively achieved, because it is easy to lose sight of the bigger picture when you are out in the field. I will forever be grateful for this experience and everyone who was part of it!
Wonderful experience
March 25, 2026by: Axel Schaap - NetherlandsHere’s your revised version with a more general and positive tone: ⸻ I had a really great experience volunteering at IPBio and would highly recommend it. The fieldwork was interesting and engaging, and I especially enjoyed working alongside such a friendly and supportive team of coordinators and fellow volunteers. The small size of the organization creates a welcoming atmosphere where you feel heard and connected. There’s also enough free time to experience Brazilian culture, which made the overall stay even more rewarding. Overall, a very positive experience with a strong sense of community.
IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute Programs
Browse programs you might like
IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute
9.53
72 reviews
We are a non-governmental, non-profit organization that develops and supports projects in environmental education and scientific research on biod...
IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute
9.51
49 reviews
The Eco-Volunteer Program encompasses a range of activities conducted in a group. The majority of these tasks are field activities, making this a...
IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute
9
13 reviews
IPBio researches amphibian reproductive habits and embryology in captivity. In addition, we conduct regular inventories of amphibians using pitfa...
IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute
9.89
9 reviews
IPBio often uses cameras for wildlife research and, as a result, our biologists have developed a passion for photography and filmmaking. Our inte...
IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute
9
8 reviews
IPBio is looking for a long-term volunteer who can focus on searching for new species of bioluminescent mushrooms, photographing them, and findin...
IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute
8.83
6 reviews
IPBio has conducted a tree inventory at one of its trails, about 642 meters long and located in an area of the Brazilian reserve that comprises a...
Media Gallery
Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff
Imran Viroomal 2017
Interviewed in 2017
Imran is originally Indian, was born in Spain, lived in the UK for 9 years, in Portugal for another 9, then moved to Canada to study Economics and Pol...
Imran Viroomal 2017
Interviewed in 2017
What inspired you to travel abroad?
Simply put I would say, bioluminescent mushrooms, the long term goal of creating 5 research centers, and although it sounds boring, “organization”. The bioluminescent mushroom program makes IPBio truly unique. Our little town of Iporanga holds approximately 25% of the world's glowing mushrooms. There is so much more research that needs to be done in this field and so many ways to apply the research. From simply finding new species which was a major success in 2017 when a volunteer found 7 new species of glowing mushrooms, to developing our local communities tourism sector by attracting visitor to our town with a museum of bioluminescence. And who knows if we find medical, energy or other interesting uses that come from our fundamental research on these mushrooms. As an economist/political scientist, I always look for the social impact our research would have so while the biologists busy trying to understand the evolutionary emergence of bioluminescence. I fantasize about the ways we could apply the research to the benefit of society and our environment. Not to mention, after searching for these natural lanterns at night in the forest and arriving at a point where the entire floor was glowing green like in Avatar, I was hooked!
Ana Glaucia
Interviewed in 2017
Biologist and post graduate in Management and Conservation of Wildlife, Ana Glaucia was worked at IPBio since 2007. She works as a researcher and wit...
Ana Glaucia
Interviewed in 2017
What inspired you to travel abroad?
What core values do you think are most important at IPBio?
Morgane Holley
Participated in 2017
Morgane Holley is a third culture kid, a nomad to the core, and a tri-national citizen from France, Switzerland, and the United States. Morgane is cur...
Morgane Holley
Participated in 2017
Being the daughter of an American diplomat and a dual French/Swiss citizen I travelled a lot growing up. As cliché as it may sound traveling has proven itself to be more than just a hobby for me but rather a lifestyle. I really do have a hard time staying in one place for too long. Every couple years I feel the tingling desire to embark on a new adventure. I love discovering all the different facets of a country's culture: the food, the art, the traditions, the history, the current geopolitical situation and everything that goes along with it. I truly believe that exploring the world and coming to an understanding and respect of different cultures is one of the greatest forms of education an individual can be lucky enough to experience.
Ready to Learn More?
The Biodiversity Research Institute (IPBio) is a place where research meets conservation. IPBio is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that develops scientific research on biodiversity, ecology and ethology of fauna and flora of Brazilian ecosystems. In 2009, the reserve received accreditation as an "Advanced Outpost of The Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve" by UNESCO. IPBio’s mission is to encourage wildlife conservation, sustainable management and use of natural resources; and promote the development of eco-tourism and cultural projects.IPBio always strives to combine research with education. Our infrastructure was designed to conduct research while simultaneously allow visitors on the reserve to visualize and learn about our native species. Furthermore, IPBio developed various e...
IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute
IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute
Ready to Learn More?
The Biodiversity Research Institute (IPBio) is a place where research meets conservation. IPBio is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that develops scientific research on biodiversity, ecology and ethology of fauna and flora of Brazilian ecosystems. In 2009, the reserve received accreditation as an "Advanced Outpost of The Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve" by UNESCO. IPBio’s mission is to encourage wildlife conservation, sustainable management and use of natural resources; and promote the development of eco-tourism and cultural projects.IPBio always strives to combine research with education. Our infrastructure was designed to conduct research while simultaneously allow visitors on the reserve to visualize and learn about our native species. Furthermore, IPBio developed various e...
Articles
Awards
Check out awards and recognitions IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute has received
