Each year, the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) organizes an opportunity for scientists to inform the nation’s science policy.

Help generate ideas that will unify and advance the biological sciences. The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) and KnowInnovation (KI) would like to let you know of the opportunity to participate in a series of NSF-funded virtual and in-person events focused on identifying the opportunities and challenges for reintegrating research across the biology subdisciplines. More details can be found at https://reintegratingbiology.org/

The Biodiversity Collections Network (BCoN) will release its new report, Extending U.S. Biodiversity Collections to Promote Research and Education, at 9:00 AM eastern time on April 4, 2019, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.

You are invited to this event to learn more about this important report and what it means for science and society. The report is the outcome of a series of workshops and stakeholder conversations that BCoN has held over the past four years. Scientists familiar with the report have expressed enthusiasm for its recommendations.

This event is free and open to the public. Space is limited. Individuals confirmed to attend this briefing will be notified by e-mail by April 3, 2019.

A workshop held 30 October – 1 November 2018 at Oak Spring Garden in Upperville, VA under the leadership of the Biodiversity Collections Network (BCoN) addressed the future deployment of data held in U.S. biodiversity collections for research, policy and education. In their discussions, participants drew heavily on recent literature as well as surveys, meetings and workshops held over the past year with the stakeholder community of collections professionals, researchers, and educators.

A report derived from the workshop and stakeholder outreach is now available for public comment. The comment period will be open until 5:00 PM Eastern on 1 February 2019. Please send your comments to Dr. Barbara Thiers at bthiers@nybg.org.

A final version of the report will be issued in early February after user feedback is incorporated.

Download Report

For more information click here.

The National Science Foundation's (NSF) Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) is requesting input from the community on fundamental biological research questions and topics, specifically on the idea of creating “Integration Institutes for Cross-cutting Biology” to integrate diverse sub-disciplines of biology and support collaborative teams of researchers. NSF seeks ideas that span multiple levels of organization in living systems and require expertise from diverse biological subdisciplines.

The deadline for submissions is March 1, 2019. The Request for Information is available here: https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2019/nsf19027/nsf19027.jsp

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University promotes and supports research consistent with its mission to discover and disseminate knowledge of the plant kingdom. To foster both independent and collaborative work, the Arboretum offers fellowships and awards to students, post-doctoral researchers, and professionals of the biological and horticultural sciences. Applicants are encouraged to define and develop paths of inquiry using the Arboretum’s resources, including its world-renowned living collection, herbarium, plant records, library and archives, greenhouse and laboratories, and the expertise of its staff.

There is currently one fellowship, eight awards, and an internship program. Applicants must submit a research proposal online for the fellowship and awards by Feb 1, 2019. Applicants must apply for the internship program by March 1, 2019.

Please see the website for the specific requirements of each award.

The Polaris Project brings students to Alaska where they lead research to study the changing Arctic. The 2019 expedition is scheduled for approximately June 26-July 27 and will include two weeks of intensive fieldwork in the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta, AK followed by two weeks of analysis and synthesis at the Woods Hole Research Center (WHRC). This research opportunity is fully funded and provides a $3000 stipend. Students from any U.S. college or university are eligible to apply. More information about the program and application instructions can be found here: http://www.thepolarisproject.org/2019-polaris-application-materials/

BSA member Jennifer Ackerfield blogs about the ongoing importance of herbaria:
"Protecting and caring for these invaluable and irreplaceable resources must be at the forefront for universities, botanic gardens, and museums. Because only time will tell what herbarium specimens will be used for in the future, as permanent records of the past."
https://alienplantation.wordpress.com/2016/10/24/guest-post-botany-is-not-dead-but-this-plant-is/

US Forest Service International Programs Seminar Series presents: Green Value– An innovative tool for evaluating and strengthening the financial viability of community forest enterprises

New England Wild Flower Society announces Go Botany, a suite of new on-line tools for anyone interested in plants. Use Go Botany in the field or on your desktop computer to identify and learn about thousands of native and naturalized plant species of New England.