Just as the nation's network of meteorological stations allows scientists to predict changes in the weather, NEON will make it possible for scientists to predict changes in the nation's ecosystems and their consequences, according to Bruce Hayden, professor at the University of Virginia and principal investigator for the project. At NEON facilities across the country, researchers from various disciplines will work together to improve scientific understanding of several "grand challenge" research areas, including the ecological implications of climate change; the relationships between biodiversity, species composition, and ecosystem function; the impacts of land use and habitat alteration; the ecology and evolution of infectious disease; the causes and consequences of invasive species; the ecological implications of biogeochemical cycles; and hydroecology. NEON will transform the way ecological research is conducted by bringing ecologists and engineers together with social, computer, and earth scientists to investigate important ecological phenomena across large geographical areas and long periods of time, and by creating new collaborative environments across multiple scientific disciplines. The network will also provide unique educational opportunities for students and the public alike.
A 10-member Senior Management Team will lead the consortium's suite of committees comprising more than 100 scientists, educators, and engineers in the development of a network blueprint and implementation plan. Hayden, along with William Michener, associate director of the Long Term Ecological Research Network, will direct the NEON project office at AIBS headquarters in Washington, DC. The project, which will be internally managed by AIBS Science Office Director Jeffrey Goldman, will rely heavily on support from members of the scientific and educational communities, who will be nominated to serve on committees and asked to review planning documents. See www.neoninc.org for nominating procedures and other information. Nominations will be reviewed beginning 8 October, 2004.
Founded in 1947, AIBS is a scientific association dedicated to advancing biological research and education. Its membership consists of approximately 6,000 biologists and 80 professional societies and other organizations; the combined individual membership of the latter exceeds 240,000 biologists.