The board of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington voted last week to create a blue-ribbon advisory panel for its scientific programmes, in an attempt to quell weeks of controversy over plans to eliminate some research efforts and consolidate others.

Members of Congress, scientists and others had complained about cuts proposed by Smithsonian secretary Lawrence Small. The most controversial proposal was to close the Conservation and Research Centre in Front Royal, Virginia, where researchers from around the world study endangered species and habitats.

Last month, Small announced that the fiscal 2002 budget had prompted officials to eliminate at least 180 jobs and close several units.