Biological collections : ensuring critical research and education for the 21st century

Biological collections are a critical part of the nation's science and innovation infrastructure and a fundamental resource for understanding the natural world. Biological collections underpin basic science discoveries as well as deepen our understanding of many challenges such as global change, biodiversity loss, sustainable food production, ecosystem conservation, and improving human health and security. They are important resources for education, both in formal training for the science and technology workforce, and in informal learning through schools, citizen science programs, and adult learning. However, the sustainability of biological collections is under threat. Without enhanced strategic leadership and investments in their infrastructure and growth many biological collections could be lost. Biological Collections: Ensuring Critical Research and Education for the 21st Century recommends approaches for biological collections to develop long-term financial sustainability, advance digitization, recruit and support a diverse workforce, and upgrade and maintain a robust physical infrastructure in order to continue serving science and society. The aim of the report is to stimulate a national discussion regarding the goals and strategies needed to ensure that U.S. biological collections not only thrive but continue to grow throughout the 21st century and beyond. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary 1 The Repository of Life 2 Advancing Discovery, Inspiring Innovation, and Informing Societal Challenges 3 Contributions to Science Education and Lifelong Learning 4 Building and Maintaining a Robust Infrastructure 5 Generating, Integrating, and Accessing Digital Data 6 Cultivating a Highly Skilled Workforce 7 Securing Financial Sustainability 8 Taking Collaborative Action Appendix A: Statement of Task Appendix B: Public Meeting Agendas Appendix C: List of Webinars Appendix D: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members and Staff Biological collections are a critical part of the nation's science and innovation infrastructure and a fundamental resource for understanding the natural world. Biological collections underpin basic science discoveries as well as deepen our understanding of many challenges such as global change, biodiversity loss, sustainable food production, ecosystem conservation, and improving human health and security. They are important resources for education, both in formal training for the science and technology workforce, and in informal learning through schools, citizen science programs, and adult learning. However, the sustainability of biological collections is under threat. Without enhanced strategic leadership and investments in their infrastructure and growth many biological collections could be lost. Biological Collections: Ensuring Critical Research and Education for the 21st Century recommends approaches for biological collections to develop long-term financial sustainability, advance digitization, recruit and support a diverse workforce, and upgrade and maintain a robust physical infrastructure in order to continue serving science and society. The aim of the report is to stimulate a national discussion regarding the goals and strategies needed to ensure that U.S. biological collections not only thrive but continue to grow throughout the 21st century and beyond.-- Publisher's description Biological collections are a critical part of the nation's science and innovation infrastructure and a fundamental resource for understanding the natural world. Biological collections underpin basic science discoveries as well as deepen our understanding of many challenges such as global change, biodiversity loss, sustainable food production, ecosystem conservation, and improving human health and security. They are important resources for education, both in formal training for the science and technology workforce, and in informal learning through schools, citizen science programs, and adult learning. However, the sustainability of biological collections is under threat. Without enhanced strategic leadership and investments in their infrastructure and growth many biological collections could be lost. __Biological Collections: Ensuring Critical Research and Education for the 21st Century__ recommends approaches for biological collections to develop long-term financial sustainability, advance digitization, recruit and support a diverse workforce, and upgrade and maintain a robust physical infrastructure in order to continue serving science and society. The aim of the report is to stimulate a national discussion regarding the goals and strategies needed to ensure that U.S. biological collections not only thrive but continue to grow throughout the 21st century and beyond. Table of Contents FrontMatter 2 Preface 10 Reviewers 12 Contents 14 Summary 16 1 The Repository of Life 32 2 Advancing Discovery, Inspiring Innovation, and Informing Societal Challenges 60 3 Contributing to Science Education and Lifelong Learning 86 4 Building and Maintaining a Robust Infrastructure 100 5 Generating, Integrating, and Accessing Digital Data 128 6 Cultivating a Highly Skilled Workforce 156 7 Securing Financial Sustainability 176 8 Taking Collaborative Action 194 References 202 Appendix A: Statement of Task 226 Appendix B: Public Meeting Agendas 228 Appendix C: Webinars 234 Appendix D: Biographical Sketches of CommitteeMembers and Staff 236