Consider the discussion in terms of “Systematics” broadly

Systematics (including taxonomy) is the study of relationships of organisms, characters, distributions, evolution, classification…

Systematics is fundamental to all biological science endeavors, but need to sell the message - should be easy!

Knowledge underpins applied areas:BiosecurityBiodiversity conservationResource management and ecology etc

Biological Systematics

Biosecurity and TradeKarnal bunt (Tilletia indica)

quarantine emergency, March 2004

• Wheat exports to Pakistan rejected because of (alleged) Karnal bunt presence in shipments

• Karnal bunt not known to occur in Australia:

Spore look-a-likes

• Tilletia walkeri – ryegrass – Australia• Tilletia horrida – rice – not in Australia• Tilletia ehrhartae – Ehrharta – Australia• Tilletia rugispora – Paspalum – not in Australia

National Diagnostic protocol

• Samples surveyed from every port wheat store in Australia - national diagnostic protocol in place

• Did find T. indica-like spores in 60% of samples

• But not T. indica based on herbarium comparison

• Fungus determined as T. ehrhartae

• Reassurance of trading partners that Australian trade is science-based

• Resumption of $4billion wheat export trade

The Problem:

Need to boost systematicskill base, career structure & outputs

ABRS Survey 2003 echoed previous reports53% of respondents (taxonomists) were aged 45+ yearsMain factors impacting taxonomic workforce identified:

Lack of career opportunitiesLack of fundingLimited opportunities for young peopleLack of security of tenure

Where do universities fit in the picture?

Systematists work in universities as researchers, teachers and keepers of collections

Decline in emphasis and appointments over decades- 50% decline 1976-1991 in 20 leading UK univ’s (Select

Committee, House of Lords 1991 report)- Aging cohort and loss of expertise

But has the tide turned for systematics??

“Taxonomy is on the thresh-hold of a renaissance”(House of Lords 2002 - the threat to the science underpinning

conservation) Systematics (molecular phylogenetics & science) strong in USA

Australian University environment today

Universities driven by recruiting scientists who bring in big research dollars, publications, high impact scores

Research quality Framework (RQF) driving choices and appointments

Taxonomy does not attract large grants; limited funding opportunities for research projects, research fellowships, student project support

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Research income

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Research funding sources and levels

ARC Discovery: c. 20% success rate overall; does not support “taxonomy” but may support phylogeny (molecular systematics), biogeography, evolution

ARC Linkage: c. 50% success rate; 100% for plant systematics at U Melbourne Botany & RBGMelbourne

Success relates to: Clear project, strong track recordStrong partner support and involvementCash and in-kind contributions

Research funding sources and levels

ABRS: declining and limited funds @ $2.4 m in 2007 (Compare $2 m per annum for 1 Centre of Excellence)

CERF: 11 substantial environmental grants & 5 fellowships (c. 200 relevant applications; 8% success rate); 1 taxonomy hub; no taxonomy grants/fellowships

Foundations provide important but small funds (Hermon Slade; ABRS & ASBS Eichler student awards)

International linkage opportunities (e.g. NSF)

Strategies for turning the tide in universities

Strategy 1 Attracting students

Emphasise systematics not just taxonomy. Systematics is attractive to students: offer context-based teaching and provide generic skills that enhance employment prospects and flexibility

Involve experts from herbaria etc (e.g. RBG Melbourne fungal experts), and field visits to emphasise potential employment, broad skills (e.g. IT and bioinformatics)

Example Melbourne undergraduate courses:

Year 1 Biology of Australian flora and faunaYear 2 Flora of Victoria; Plant BiodiversityYear 3 Field Botany; Plant Systematics & Evolution;

Marine Botany; Volunteer herbarium program

Melbourne Postgraduate training:

4th year honours to be phased outMoving to MSc with more coursework, e.g packaged with conservation biology “tools for understanding/managing biodiversity etc” - less costly, professional trainingPhD research-based; more expensive

Turning the tide in universities

Strategy 2:Get systematists on staff

Consider joint appointments (Perth, Adelaide, Cairns); formal linkages (Melbourne)

Convince colleagues (ecologists etc) they need us

Must attract research funds & publish

Create a critical mass with postdocs & linkages

Strategy 3: Bigger grant scheme for systematics

- More than taxonomy & tools, more than ABRS can currently support

- Cannot expect universities to put in 50% cash, but infrastructure available, e.g. for molecular work - Compare NSF: systematics panel, big research projects (tree of life, comparative biology), influential participants, profile of phylogenetic systematics currently high

- Do not restrict grants only to narrow “priority areas” but support excellence

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Strategy 4: Enhance career pathways

- Fully funded fellowship program (postdocs and senior fellowships to allow for >3 years): prestigious, based on excellence - raises profile - As the new generation of experts, postdocs train students, increase systematics output

- Long-term goal? Consider an endowment fund for fellowships ”Future Fund”? ?Through the Academy