Biological Systematics Ø Consider the discussion in terms

Biological Systematics Ø Consider the discussion in terms of “Systematics” broadly Ø Systematics (including taxonomy) is the study of relationships of organisms, characters, distributions, evolution, classification… Ø Systematics is fundamental to all biological science endeavors, but need to sell the message - should be easy! Ø Knowledge underpins applied areas: Biosecurity Biodiversity conservation Resource management and ecology etc

Biosecurity and Trade Karnal 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 $4 billion wheat export trade

The Problem: Need to boost systematic skill base, career structure & outputs Ø ABRS Survey 2003 echoed previous reports 53% of respondents (taxonomists) were aged 45+ years Main factors impacting taxonomic workforce identified: Lack of career opportunities Lack of funding Limited opportunities for young people Lack of security of tenure

Where do universities fit in the picture? Ø Systematists work in universities as researchers, teachers and keepers of collections Ø 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? ? Ø “Taxonomy is on the thresh-hold of a renaissance” (House of Lords 2002 - the threat to the science underpinning conservation) Ø Systematics (molecular phylogenetics & science) strong in USA

$7 m Research income Australian University environment today Ø Universities driven by recruiting scientists who bring in big research dollars, publications, high impact scores Ø Research quality Framework (RQF) driving choices and appointments ØTaxonomy does not attract large grants; limited funding opportunities for research projects, research fellowships, student project support

Research funding sources and levels Ø ARC Discovery: c. 20% success rate overall; does not support “taxonomy” but may support phylogeny (molecular systematics), biogeography, evolution Ø ARC Linkage: c. 50% success rate; 100% for plant systematics at U Melbourne Botany & RBGMelbourne Success relates to: Clear project, strong track record Strong partner support and involvement Cash and in-kind contributions

Research funding sources and levels Ø ABRS: declining and limited funds @ $2. 4 m in 2007 (Compare $2 m per annum for 1 Centre of Excellence) Ø CERF: 11 substantial environmental grants & 5 fellowships (c. 200 relevant applications; 8% success rate); 1 taxonomy hub; no taxonomy grants/fellowships Ø Foundations provide important but small funds (Hermon Slade; ABRS & ASBS Eichler student awards) Ø 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 fauna Year 2 Flora of Victoria; Plant Biodiversity Year 3 Field Botany; Plant Systematics & Evolution; Marine Botany; Volunteer herbarium program Melbourne Postgraduate training: Ø 4 th year honours to be phased out ØMoving to MSc with more coursework, e. g packaged with conservation biology “tools for understanding/managing biodiversity etc” - less costly, professional training ØPh. D research-based; more expensive

Turning the tide in universities Strategy 2: Get systematists on staff Ø Consider joint appointments (Perth, Adelaide, Cairns); formal linkages (Melbourne) Ø Convince colleagues (ecologists etc) they need us Ø Must attract research funds & publish Ø 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

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