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.
In 2013, 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: Sponsored a symposium with iDigBio on digitization and dissemination of natural history data. The event was held at the 2013 Society for […]
As of March 2014, the newsletter of the Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections will be published in an electronic format. This will bring greater opportunities for advertising, active linking, sharing via social media, and multimedia capabilities. The newsletter will have an e-book format, with the feel of a magazine, but none of […]
The House Science Subcommittee on Research and Technology held a hearing on 14 January 2014 on scientific research at the Smithsonian Institution. The hearing provided the leadership of the Smithsonian an opportunity to showcase its varied scientific research programs. Six Representatives attended the hearing: Chairman Larry Bucshon (R-IN), Ranking Member Daniel Lipinski (D-IL), Thomas Massie […]
The National Science Foundation has released a program solicitation for the Dimensions of Biodiversity program. The agency anticipates awarding 8 to 12 grants in an amount totaling $16-$22 million. The Dimensions of Biodiversity program aims to transform “how we describe and understand the scope and role of life on Earth.” Proposals are due by 3 […]
Scientists and graduate students who are interested in communicating the importance of federal investments in scientific research and education to lawmakers are invited to participate in the Biological and Ecological Sciences Coalition (BESC) Congressional Visits Day in Washington, DC. This event is an opportunity for scientists to meet with their members of Congress to discuss […]
This week, the Senate is expected to approve a bicameral deal to raise discretionary spending by $63 billion over the next two years. The measure, which already passed the House of Representatives, provides less funding than pre-sequester levels, but would increase federal spending from $967 billion to $1.012 trillion this year. The increase would be […]
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has initiated a national search for a new Assistant Director for the Biological Sciences Directorate (BIO). Dr. John Wingfield has served as Assistant Directorate for BIO since September 2011. His replacement could serve on a temporary or permanent basis. Candidates with the following qualifications are sought: outstanding leadership; a deep […]
The Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) of the Global Environment Facility is currently accepting applications for two positions from highly qualified candidates with outstanding academic and technical credentials, and a passion for advancing and improving the science/policy interface, in the areas of Biodiversity and Chemicals. The successful candidate must have: Professionalism: An advanced degree, preferably […]
The National Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) Program has announced their fiscal year 2014 grant guidelines. Grants will be available to museums for documenting Native American human remains and cultural items in their care. Monies will also be available for consultation with tribes regarding the control and treatment of NAGPRA-related human remains […]
The Natural Science Collections Alliance has prepared a short report on how fossils are used in scientific research. “Celebrating the Knowledge and the Mystery of Fossils†shows how researchers use fossils to understand evolution of species and reconstruct Earth’s ancient climate. “Fossil collections are extremely important for those of us who study evolutionary biology because […]