[PCA] Article: NSF Suspends Funding Program for Biological Specimen Collections

[Emily Roberson]

AIBS wrote a good letter protesting this:

https://www.aibs.org/position-statements/20160324_nsf_collections.html 

 

There is also good information in the Nature article on the  “hiatus” in funding. 

http://www.nature.com/news/biological-specimen-troves-threatened-by-funding-pause-1.19599 

 

 

Thank you!

 

Emily

___________________________________

Emily B. Roberson, Ph.D.

Director

Native Plant Conservation Campaign <http://plantsocieties.cnps.org/index.php> 

emilyr at plantsocieties.org

415 531 4439

 

From: native-plants [mailto:native-plants-bounces at lists.plantconservation.org] On Behalf Of Lindsey Riibe
Sent: Friday, April 01, 2016 12:05 PM
To: native-plants at lists.plantconservation.org; Alien Plant Working Group; Restoration Working Group; Medicinal Plant Working Group
Subject: [PCA] Article: NSF Suspends Funding Program for Biological Specimen Collections

 


sorry for cross-pollination, but wanted to get the word out.


Biological specimen troves threatened by funding pause


Article in Nature (News & Comment) on the recent decision by the US National Science Foundation that cuts $3 - $5 million a year in grants (equivalent to roughly 0.06% of the agency’s $7.5-billion budget for fiscal year 2016) primarily used to maintain biological collections such as herbaria. 

 

The program “could be reinstated, but potentially with a new focus”. Fortunately, NSF is asking for feedback on the program. "During this time, the program has been asked to evaluate its value to the research and education community.  As part of this evaluation we welcome feedback from any stakeholders, including individuals, institutions, and professional societies."

Let them know how invaluable our biological collections are! Follow the link bellow to add your comments.

 

https://dbinsfblog.wordpress.com/2016/03/16/csbr-fy17/

 

Link to the online Nature News story:
http://www.nature.com/news/biological-specimen-troves-threatened-by-funding-pause-1.19599

 

-- 

Lindsey Riibe

Conservation and Land Management Intern

Bureau of Land Management

Washington Office, DC

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