- tdwg - lists.tdwg.org

Taxonomic Databases Working Group (TDWG) Annual Meeting 2006
by Adrian Rissone 29 Jun '06

29 Jun '06

This message contains time-critical information. Please read it now. The 2006 Annual Meeting and Symposium of the Taxonomic Databases Working Group will be held at the Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, Missouri, USA, from 15 - 22 October 2006. The meeting web site can be accessed here: http://tdwg2006.tdwg.org/ The Theme of the Symposium is Building Biodiversity Data Applications * From Nomenclators to managing inconsistent taxonomies (including Zoobank, IPNI, etc.) * Species Banks and the taxonomic work process (including EDIT) * Integrating & sharing biotic information * "Boxed" Solutions * Applications and Standards for Invasive Species * Applications and Standards for Conservation Additional Themes for the Meeting will include (in no particular order): * The new TDWG Infrastructure * New and emerging standards * Integrating standards * Globally Unique Identifiers (GUIDs) * Imaging * Ontologies & semantics * Data representation languages (UML, BNF, RDF, XML) * Biodiversity Heritage Library The Meeting will also include presentation of the work of TDWG Subgroups/Interest Groups, with working sessions during the week. For details of current TDWG Subgroups please visit the main TDWG web site. Registration is open now. There is an active link on the Registration Page to the RegOnline system which is handling registration for the meeting and has further links to discount booking at the recommended hotel and discount car rental. The deadline for hotel discount is 14 July 2006. A late registration penalty fee will apply after 14 July 2006. Abstracts for presentations by delegates are invited. Please see the Abstracts Page for details and Instructions for Authors. Abstracts MUST be submitted in the required format and MUST be received by 20 August 2006. Priority in the busy meeting schedule will be given to abstracts received by 15 July 2006. All abstracts will be peer reviewed. Please accept our apologies for cross-posting if you receive this message more than once. On behalf of the TDWG Executive I would like to welcome you to TDWG 2006 and look forward to seeing you in St. Louis. Regards, Adrian

1 0

Position at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: e-Taxonomy Co-ordinator
by Dave Roberts 21 Jun '06

21 Jun '06

Dear all, apologies for cross-posting and duplication. I am using this as a test posting because I have been getting messages refused. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew invites applications for the following position (closing date - 30 June 2006): EDIT e-Taxonomy Co-ordinator Fixed term contract to February 2011 Working with a team of plant diversity specialists, you will be involved in work package 6 of the EU-funded EDIT (European Distributed Institute of Taxonomy) consortium. Work package 6 (Title: Unifying Revisionary Taxonomy) aims to bring together fragmented taxonomic and biodiversity resources for delivery via a web portal and to encourage integration of international taxonomic effort. Your main duties will include researching, assembling and delivering the digital content for a web portal, focusing on palms and other monocot plant families, liaising closely with the portal designer at the Natural History Museum, London. Content for the web portal will include nomenclature, taxonomic descriptions, images, identification guides, geographical, ecological and conservation data. You will also liaise with a wide range of stakeholders and participate in discussions on data, portal requirements and taxonomic issues. With a degree in Biology or related discipline, you will have experience of biodiversity data resources and training in a biodiversity-oriented discipline. You will ideally have a PhD in a Biological discipline, or equivalent work experience, and will be familiar with flowering plant systematics, information management and databases. You will have excellent communication and organisational skills and the ability to deal with challenging and complex issues. Self-motivation is also essential as the role demands autonomy and close attention to data quality. Salary is £21,308 per annum (pay award pending) and benefits include a choice of final salary or stakeholder pension, generous annual leave and a stunning work environment. Application packs are available from our website http://www.kew.org (click on the link at the bottom of the homepage). Alternatively, please contact the HR Department, RBG Kew, on 020 8332 5184/5150 (24 hour answerphone). Please quote Ref EDIT1. Closing date: 30 June 2006.

1 0

TDWG Demographic Survey - Results
by Adrian Rissone 19 Apr '06

19 Apr '06

The TDWG 2006 Demographic Survey - Results Background In January/February 2006 the TDWG Infrastructure Project Team conducted a survey of TDWG Members and Potential Members Results A summary of the results of the survey, and more detailed data, can be viewed at http://wiki.tdwg.org/twiki/bin/view/TIP/TipSurveyResults Regards, Adrian Rissone TDWG Secretary A.Rissone(a)nhm.ac.uk

1 0

open access to scientific data: Decision at the Convention on Biological Diversity follow up 8th conference of the parties.
by Donat Agosti 04 Apr '06

04 Apr '06

[sorry for cross-posting with taxacom] Dear colleagues COP-8, the follow-up conference of the parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity, ended on March 31 with a decision of importance for our work. This is another step to open up archives; it is also another demanding the need for technologies to make the exchange technically possible, thus a challenge to TDWG... Here the excerpt: SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL COOPERATION AND THE CHM (Clearing House Mechanism. Ie data exchange mechanism set up within the CBD framework): Discussions on scientific and technical cooperation and the CHM (UNEP/CBD/COP/8/4/Rev.1, 17, 17/Add.1, and 18) took place in WG-II on Thursday, 23 March, and Tuesday, 28 March. A decision was approved by WG-II on 28 March. On scientific and technical cooperation, delegates highlighted collaboration with other initiatives, with Colombia stressing repatriation of information. Canada urged parties to provide free and open access to information and, supported by the EU, suggested reference to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Brazil expressed concern about the cost implications of CHM activities, and delegates agreed to take notes of Brazil's reservation in the decision. Final Decision: In the decision (UNEP/CBD/COP/8/L.5), the COP adopts the annexed CHM updated strategic plan for the period 2005-2010 and the CHM work programme up to 2010. THE COP INVITES PARTIES AND OTHER GOVERNMENTS, AS APPROPRIATE, TO PROVIDE FREE AND OPEN ACCESS TO ALL PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE PUBLIC-GOOD RESEARCH RESULTS, ASSESSMENTS, MAPS AND DATABASES ON BIODIVERSITY, IN ACCORDANCE WITH NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEGISLATION It also requests parties, and invites other governments and donors, to continue providing financial and technical support to develop national and regional CHMs. The COP requests the Executive Secretary to prepare a report on progress made in the implementation of the strategic plan of the CHM and its work programme for 2005-2010, for COP-10 consideration. Dr. Donat Agosti Research Associate, American Museum of Natural History and Smithsonian Institution Email: agosti(a)amnh.org Web: http://antbase.org Skype: agostileu CV: http://antbase.org/agosticv_2003.html Dalmaziquai 45 3005 Bern Switzerland +41-31-351 7152

1 0

IT job in NHM London
by Dave Roberts 30 Mar '06

30 Mar '06

Dear all, apologies for cross-posting. Under the EU-EDIT grant the NHM is recruiting an IT person to develop web taxonomy. Details can be found at http://www.jobsgopublic.com/ and search for "IT Researcher" or see the current issue of Nature (30th March 06). Briefly the post is 4.5 years starting this August. I'd be grateful if you would draw this to the attention of anyone tha t you think might be interested. Cheers, Dave

1 0

Survey: Feedback and Requirements for Use of GBIF Data Portal
by Donald Hobern 23 Mar '06

23 Mar '06

The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) has been operating its prototype data portal for biodiversity data (http://www.gbif.net/) since 2004 and is now developing a new portal incorporating lessons learned from these early experiences (to be released at the end of 2006). The aim of this portal will be to provide rapid access to distributed biodiversity data resources from all over the world. The portal should support user access through HTML web browsers, as well as machine access by other portals and analytical tools through web service programming interfaces. GBIF wishes to receive the widest possible feedback on the existing prototype data portal and user requirements for the new portal. As part of this process, we have set up the following online survey and would like to receive responses by 30 April 2006: Feedback and Requirements for use of GBIF Data Portal - end-user requirements for access to biodiversity data http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=279441780723 We plan to offer two further related surveys over the next few weeks: Feedback and Requirements for providers of data to GBIF Data Portal requirements from individuals and organisations sharing data through the GBIF network Technical Feedback on architecture for GBIF Data Portal review of architecture and design for GBIF data portal and its associated web services For more information on GBIFs plans for the data portal, please see: The GBIF Data Portal Strategy, available from: http://circa.gbif.net/Public/irc/gbif/dadi/library?l=/architecture The GBIF Data Portal Design wiki at: http://wiki.gbif.org/dadiwiki/ Please note that this survey relates to the GBIF Data Portal. GBIF also operates the GBIF Communications Portal (http://www.gbif.org/), which provides information about the organisation and its activities. An opportunity is provided on the last page of this survey to comment on the GBIF's use of two separate portals. Thank you for your help. Donald --------------------------------------------------------------- Donald Hobern (dhobern(a)gbif.org) Programme Officer for Data Access and Database Interoperability Global Biodiversity Information Facility Secretariat Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark Tel: +45-35321483 Mobile: +45-28751483 Fax: +45-35321480 ---------------------------------------------------------------

1 0

First meeting to discuss a common TDWG standards architecture
by Roger Hyam 23 Mar '06

23 Mar '06

The first meeting to discuss a common TDWG standards architecture will take place on 11-13th April in Edinburgh. This meeting addresses one of the agreed outcomes of the TDWG Infrastructure Project. There was strong endorsement of the need to seek a common architecture that would relate the different standards developed by TDWG to each other and to those produced by third parties. You can read about the meeting at: http://www.tdwg.hyam.net/twiki/bin/view/TAG/TagMeeting1 and a preliminary agenda at: http://www.tdwg.hyam.net/twiki/bin/view/TAG/TagMeeting1Agenda This meeting will produce a report containing clear statements about the current technical relationships of TDWG standards and recommendations for an effective and integrated standard's architecture. This report will be presented to the TDWG Executive Committee and then widely circulated. If you have any ideas you would like raised at the meeting please either: 1. Post them to the TAG mailing list (http://lists.tdwg.org/mailman/listinfo/tdwg-tag_lists.tdwg.org). 2. Send them directly to me. 3. Approach one of the other attendees - who are listed on the pages mentioned above. All input into this process would be most appreciated. All the best, Roger -- ------------------------------------- Roger Hyam Technical Architect Taxonomic Databases Working Group ------------------------------------- http://www.tdwg.org roger(a)tdwg.org +44 1578 722782 -------------------------------------

1 0

Call for technical authors to assist TDWG subgroups
by Donald Hobern 17 Mar '06

17 Mar '06

TDWG is seeking an experienced (English language) Technical Author to develop a range of documentation to support its standards. The person will liaise with members of TDWG subgroups to design and develop informal documentation such as user-guides, primers, a web site, and assist with formal documentation suites. Applicants should have a university degree or equivalent. Experience with interoperability standards would be required and familiarity with TDWG would be an advantage. The work would be part time, and on a contract basis with the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (www.gbif.org). Approximately 6 months full-time work equivalent would be anticipated over the next 18 months. While the work would be done at the contractor's location, some travel may be involved. Expressions of interest with a brief résumé should be forwarded to: Lee Belbin TDWG Infrastructure Project Manager lee(a)tdwg.org --------------------------------------------------------------- Donald Hobern (dhobern(a)gbif.org) Programme Officer for Data Access and Database Interoperability Global Biodiversity Information Facility Secretariat Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark Tel: +45-35321483 Mobile: +45-28751483 Fax: +45-35321480 ---------------------------------------------------------------

1 0

None
by Charlene Fricker 09 Mar '06

09 Mar '06

set tdwg nomail Charlene Fricker ************************************************ Charlene Fricker Collections Manager, Fossil Invertebrates Geology Department The Field Museum 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605-2496 312/665-7631 (direct) 312/665-7641 (fax) cfricker(a)fieldmuseum.org http://www.fmnh.org (Field Museum website)

1 0

Call for Participation: LSID Working Groups
by Ricardo Scachetti Pereira 07 Mar '06

07 Mar '06

TDWG/GBIF Call for Participation: Life Sciences Identifiers (LSID) Working Groups --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Background ---------- The First Workshop on Globally Unique Identifiers for Biodiversity Informatics (GUID-1) was held last month at NESCent (www.nescent.org) in Durham, North Carolina, USA. The workshop was organized by the Taxonomic Databases Working Group (http://www.tdwg.org/) and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (http://www.gbif.org/). GUID-1 recommended the use of Life Sciences Identifiers (LSID) in biodiversity informatics and established two Working Groups to address outstanding questions (see http://wiki.gbif.org/guidwiki/). Answers to those questions will be reported to a second GUID meeting (GUID-2) to be hosted by e-Science Institute (eSI) in Edinburgh scheduled for June 10-12 2006. Participation ------------- We have reached a significant point by establishing the infrastructure to support widespread use of LSIDs in biodiversity informatics. We are seeking anyone who is interested in participating in the two Working Groups. Please send an expression of interest in leading or contributing to any of the proposed tasks on the GUID wiki to guids(a)gbif.org. The tasks are listed on the following web pages: http://wiki.gbif.org/guidwiki/wikka.php?wakka=InfrastructureWorkingGroup and http://wiki.gbif.org/guidwiki/wikka.php?wakka=PrototypingWorkingGroup If you can lead a task team, please edit the respective wiki page, adding your name as task coordinator and start to outline the task. If you want to be involved but not lead a task, contact the task leader if there is one, or edit the respective wiki page by adding your name to the task team and adding your contribution in the appropriate space. GUID-2 ------ The second GUID meeting will be supported by the TDWG Infrastructure Project funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. Attendance at GUID-2 will be by invitation, based on contributions against the tasks. GUID-2 will focus on working sessions and attendance will be limited. Priority for support will be given to workgroup task leaders and others actively participating on task developments. Timeline -------- 17/Mar/2006: Definition of task leaders. Tasks not claimed will be pruned, reassigned or set aside for later consideration. 24/Mar/2006: Definition of task teams, task outlines, and work plan. 31/Mar/2006: Definition of GUID-2 participants based on task assignments. GBIF/TDWG will send formal invitations to participants. Mar/Apr/May/2006: Task development and discussion of outstanding issues, following work plan. May/2006: Finalization of prototypes, summary of discussions, draft of recommendations for each task. Preparation to present summary at GUID-2 Workshop. June/2006 - GUID-2 Workshop. Contacts -------- For further information, please send messages to guids(a)gbif.org, or contact any of the following- * Lee Belbin, Australia - Project Manager (lee(a)tdwg.org) * Donald Hobern, Denmark - Programmer Officer for Data Access and Database Interoperability (dhobern(a)gbif.org) * Ricardo Pereira, Brazil - Software Engineer (ricardo(a)tdwg.org) * Roger Hyam, United Kingdom - Technical Architect (roger(a)tdwg.org)

1 0