Natural Science Collections Alliance
Our members are part of an international community of museums, botanical gardens, herbariums, universities and other institutions that house natural science collections and utilize them in research, exhibitions, academic and informal science education, and outreach activities.
Nearly one hundred new lawmakers were elected in November. Let them — and their returning colleagues — know the value of federal investments in science. Please take a minute to send a letter to your members of Congress about the importance of biological research and education. Take action at http://capwiz.com/aibs/issues/alert/?alertid=62388191.
iDigBio, the National Science Foundation’s national HUB for Advancing Digitization of Biological Collections (ADBC), is pleased to announce the third in a series of preparation-specific workshops focusing on organizing, launching, maintaining, and/or enhancing a biological collections digitization program.  This new workshop will focus on digitization of dried insect collections (pinned or packaged), to include specimen […]
The Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections have released the preliminary details for their 2013 and 2014 annual meetings. The 28th annual meeting will be held on 17-22 June 2013 in Rapid City South Dakota. The 29th annual meeting will be held on 22-28 June 2014 in Cardiff, Wales. The theme is “historic […]
Scientists and graduate students who are interested in communicating the importance of federal investments in scientific research and education to lawmakers are encouraged to participate in an important upcoming event. Each year, the Biological and Ecological Sciences Coalition (BESC) hosts a Congressional Visits Day in Washington, DC. This event is an opportunity for scientists to […]
In 2012, the NSC Alliance engaged in a number of notable activities to raise the profile of natural history collections with policymakers, researchers, and the general public. A few highlights are presented below: Conducted a Congressional briefing on digitization of natural science collections. The event was well attended by policymakers from Capitol Hill, federal agencies, […]
Graduate students with an interest in science policy are encouraged to apply for the 2013 AIBS Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award. This award recognizes graduate students in the biological sciences who have demonstrated initiative and leadership in science policy. Recipients receive first-hand experience at the interface of science and public policy. Winners receive a trip […]
The December 2012 issue of the journal BioScience includes an article entitled “The Value of Hidden Scientific Resources: Preserved Animal Specimens from Private Collections and Small Museums.â€Â The article highlights the value of small natural history collections in research. The article is available for free at http://www.jstor.org/stable/full/10.1525/bio.2012.62.12.9.
The Natural Science Collections Alliance has prepared a short report on digitization of natural history collections. The document outlines the potential uses of digitized data and its value to researchers, students, decision makers, and the public. Examples are presented of how digitized specimens and their associated data are being put to use. The following is […]
People around the country are taking action today to stand up for science. Join the national day of action to voice your support for federal investments in research and science education. The biological sciences community needs to express its opposition to further cuts to the federal programs that invest in research, support education, and protect […]
The NSC Alliance Board of Directors will convene via teleconference on Tuesday, 27 November 2012. Member institutions are welcome to suggest topics for discussion by the board. Suggestions should be submitted to NSC Alliance President Dr. Larry Page at lpa…@flmnh.ufl.edu.