The 1916 Organic Act, which created the National Park Service, requires parks "to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein." A comprehensive program of scientific research and monitoring is thus required to ensure that Glacier Bay ’s natural and cultural resources are adequately protected. Some of these studies are focused on specific resource concerns, such as the effects of vessels on marine life or the impacts of shoreline camping on nesting birds. Other studies are broader in nature and intended to better understand the complex marine and terrestrial ecosystems of this large wilderness park. Such understanding is necessary in order to separate natural change from changes which are caused by human activities.

While some research projects at Glacier Bay are conducted by park staff, many are performed by scientists from other agencies or institutions under working agreements with the National Park Service. The park's Resource Management Division cooperates with scientists from the USGS Alaska Science Center in the design and implementation of several research and monitoring projects designed to insure that the latest scientific information is available to park managers. The importance of science-based management is widely recognized throughout the national park system and is incorporated into Glacier Bay National Park 's mission statement.

Besides management-directed science, a variety of other studies are also conducted by researchers from various federal and state agencies and universities, as well as by some independent researchers. NPS policies state that in addition to using science as a means to improve park management, parks can and should be centers for broad scientific research and inquiry. Science in the park thus encompasses an array of disciplines in a variety of natural, cultural and social science investigations. All research, however, results in a better understanding of the park’s natural and cultural environment and will ultimately benefit the National Park Service’s ability to preserve and protect our national heritage. For a summary document of ongoing and recently completed research projects, click here .

All research projects at Glacier Bay are conducted in accordance with the NPS research permitting system, which establishes standards and reporting requirements for research in parks nationwide. The results of all scientific activities conducted in the park must be made available to park managers, the scientific community, and the public through both technical publications and popular media. An annual progress report in a prescribed format is also required at the end of each year. Multiple copies of all final reports or publications coming from the study must be submitted to the park for inclusion in the park library and research files. Other special conditions may be imposed upon approval of the project.