Dr. Thomas Near will give an invited seminar on Monday, September 16, at 9am in Forbes 1005 titled “Illinois at the Intersection of Biodiversity Research in the 21st Century.” Dr. Near is a Professor in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at Yale University.
Abstract
The biodiversity crisis demands solutions based on data-driven science. For over 150 years, the Illinois Natural History Survey has been at the forefront of biodiversity research, evolving its focus to address the changing needs of each era. From its founding in the mid-1800s through the mid-20th century and into our present day, INHS has consistently adapted its research priorities to meet the pressing environmental challenges of the time. INHS' enduring impact stems from its rich history of biodiversity research and discovery, tailored to serve the needs of Illinois' people and ecosystems. This legacy of scientific excellence positions INHS uniquely at the intersection of 21st-century biodiversity research, where traditional methodologies meet innovative approaches. In this talk, I will present a vision for INHS leadership that builds upon this foundation of institutional excellence. Drawing from my career as an evolutionary biologist who studies fishes, I will outline strategies to leverage INHS's historical strengths while embracing emerging approaches to biodiversity and data science. This vision aims to ensure that INHS continues to contribute to the scientific understanding of contemporary biodiversity challenges and provide science-driven solutions that benefit both the state of Illinois and the broader scientific community.
Attend remotely via Zoom
https://illinois-phi.zoom.us/j/81569291641?pwd=sFSPqGaLBqgeAAeRXF6HcIjy2obQGm.1
Meeting ID: 815 6929 1641
Password: 138637
