Understanding Carnegie Science's Naming Conventions
To ensure clarity and consistency in Carnegie Science communications, we’ve developed the following naming guidelines. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the Communications Team.
Our Names
"Carnegie Science" is the name we use most frequently in public-facing communications. It should be used in situations such as:
- Media Coverage: When writing about our institution in news articles or media stories.
- Donor and Partner Communications: When referring to our organization in discussions about funding or collaborations.
- Social Media: When tagging or mentioning our institution on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
- Public Events and Outreach: When referencing us during public events like lectures, educational programs, or outreach activities.
This name is our most recognizable and is ideal for engaging general audiences.
"Carnegie Institution for Science" is our formal academic name. It is best used in more official or scientific contexts, such as:
- Academic Papers and Publications: When listing us as an institutional affiliation in manuscripts, scientific posters, or journals.
- Conferences and Memberships: When registering for conferences or joining professional scientific organizations.
- Professional Communications: When communicating with other scientists, academic institutions, or publishers.
Note: For any secondary mentions in longer texts, "Carnegie Science" should be used to keep the tone consistent and less formal.
"Carnegie Institution of Washington" is our legal name and is used in specific legal or contractual situations. It should be used only when:
- Filing Legal Documents: For contracts, grant applications, or other formal legal agreements where our legal entity name is required.
This name is rarely used outside of legal contexts.
In certain contexts, it’s important to reference specific divisions within Carnegie Science. When referring to one of our divisions, please use the following format:
- Carnegie Science Biosphere Science & Engineering
- Carnegie Science Earth & Planets Laboratory
- Carnegie Science Observatories
Use the division name when:
- Referencing Division-Specific Research: When discussing research tied to one of our specific divisions.
- Events and Outreach Hosted by Divisions: When promoting or discussing division-specific events or outreach activities.
Using both "Carnegie Science" and the division name (e.g., Carnegie Science Earth and Planets Laboratory) strengthens the association between the division’s work and the institution’s overall mission.
Note: On the second mention, use just the division name or its abbreviation:
- Biosphere Science & Engineering / BSE
- Earth & Planets Laboratory / EPL
- Observatories / OBS
Guidance for Media Professionals Writing About Carnegie Science
When covering Carnegie Science in articles, reports, or interviews, we ask that you use "Carnegie Science" on first reference.
If an article specifically mentions one of our research locations or divisions by name, please indicate that it is part of Carnegie Science, for example, the Carnegie Science Observatories or the Earth and Planets Laboratory at Carnegie Science.
For any specific media inquiries or additional guidance, please get in touch with our Communications Team.
FAQs
No, we are not. The Carnegie Science Center is a separate science museum located in Pittsburgh. Carnegie Science is based in Washington, D.C., and Pasadena, CA, and focuses on advanced scientific research.
No, Carnegie Science is an independent institution. While both organizations share a historical connection to Andrew Carnegie, they operate separately.
There are several organizations that carry the Carnegie name including Carnegie Science, Carnegie Mellon University, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and others. Each operates independently but shares a legacy tied to Andrew Carnegie’s philanthropic contributions.
We collaborate with the Carnegie Corporation of New York and other Andrew Carnegie-founded organizations to select the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy winners every two years.