In November 1974, Dr. David Challinor, Smithsonian Assistant Secretary for Science, invited Smithsonian scientists from across the Institution to the National Zoo's Conservation Research Center (now known as the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute) in Front Royal, Virginia to participate in the first Smithsonian Inter-Science Conference.From February 6-8, 1975, scientists gathered to discuss their current research as well as to assess the strengths, weaknesses, and direction of science at the Smithsonian.