The University of Iceland (UoI) established a Research Centre in Breiðdalsvík In 2020 . The research centre in Breiðdalsvík is one of 12 (soon to be 13) research centres operated by the University of Iceland in small towns and hamlets in rural Iceland. The research centers are goverend by the Institute of Research Centres at the UoI.
The research centre operates closely with the Natural Science Institute of Iceland which is the caretaker of Icelands (drill) core collection that is located in Breiðdalsvík.
The research center is housed in the old coop "gamla kaupfélagið" pictured above. The old coop was originally built in 1906 making it the oldest building in Breiðdalsvík.
Breiðdalssetur (now a private foundation) is the caretaker and owner of artifacts related to the life and work of two prominent scientists with strong connections to Breiðdalur and Breiðdalsvík, namely the Geologist/Volcanologist George P.L. Walker and the Linguist Stefán Einarsson. An exibition of selected items is on display in the old coop honoring these two sceintists. Staff members of the Research Centre are often available to provide information and guidance for visitors.
