Consider the discussion in terms of “ Systematics ” broadly

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

2. Biosecurity and TradeKarnal 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

3. 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 $4billion wheat export trade

4. The Problem: • Need to boost systematic • skill base, career structure & outputs • 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

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

6. $7m Research income • Australian University environment today • Universities driven by recruiting scientists who bring in big research dollars, publications, high impact scores • Research quality Framework (RQF) driving choices and appointments • Taxonomy does not attract large grants; limited funding opportunities for research projects, research fellowships, student project support

7. Research funding sources and levels • ARC Discovery: c. 20% success rate overall; does not support “taxonomy” but may support phylogeny (molecular systematics), biogeography, evolution • 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

8. Research funding sources and levels • ABRS: declining and limited funds @ $2.4 m in 2007 (Compare $2 m per annum for 1 Centre of Excellence) • CERF: 11 substantial environmental grants & 5 fellowships (c. 200 relevant applications; 8% success rate); 1 taxonomy hub; no taxonomy grants/fellowships • Foundations provide important but small funds (Hermon Slade; ABRS & ASBS Eichler student awards) • International linkage opportunities (e.g. NSF)

9. 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)

10. 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: • 4th year honours to be phased out • Moving to MSc with more coursework, e.g packaged with conservation biology “tools for understanding/managing biodiversity etc” - less costly, professional training • PhD research-based; more expensive

11. Turning the tide in universities Strategy 2: Get systematists on staff • Consider joint appointments (Perth, Adelaide, Cairns); formal linkages (Melbourne) • Convince colleagues (ecologists etc) they need us • Must attract research funds & publish • Create a critical mass with postdocs & linkages

12. 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

13. 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