| General information and editorial notes News and Notes
Summary of the Scientific
Committee Meeting
Biodiversity Diversity
Canadian National Collection of Insects on the Web
Membership of the Scientific Committee
The Northern Forestry Centre
Insect Museum
Project Update: Arthropods
of Canadian Grasslands
The Nature Discovery Fund
The Quiz Page
Recent Publications
Selected Future
Conferences
Challenge Question
Answers to Faunal Quiz
Quips and Quotes
Requests for Material or
Information Invited
Requests for Cooperation
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The Canadian Museum of Nature, with the participation of
Canadian author Margaret Atwood, recently launched the Nature Discovery Fund (NDF), a
non-profit fund seeking to encourage public support for systematics through an enhanced
public profile and by making available additional financial resources for the study of
systematics in Canada. The launch of the Fund drew attention to the great diversity of
insects and their relatives in Canada, and to the fact that only one-half of them are
named.
The Fund emphasizes the value of the scientific names of species: every insect species
needs a unique scientific latinized name under which all information about that species is
filed. In the past, these names have been reserved for special features about the
organism. For example, they might reflect where it was found, refer to a striking feature
of structure or colour, or honor the person who collected it or even a fellow scientist
who contributed to study of the group. The Fund undertakes, in recognition of a donation
of $500 or more, to arrange for a species to be named (within 24 months) in honor of the
donor or in recognition of someone or something they designate. Donations are viewed not
as the purchase of names, but as practical support for the science of systematics.
In September of each year NDF will invite applications for use of the donated funds by
recognized Canadian entomologists in the field of systematics, especially those proposing
to sample and study previously unexplored or poorly explored areas or habitats within
Canada. Further details of the application process are provided below.
To request an information package about the Nature Discovery Fund including detailed
procedures for making donations please see: http://www.nature.ca/research/ndfund/ndfund_e.cfm
Nature Discovery Fund: Call for Applications 1999
The Nature Discovery Fund (NDF), administered by the Canadian Museum of Nature, invites
applications for funding in support of “discovering and naming Canada’s insect
biodiversity”. Established in December of 1998, NDF is a non-profit fund seeking to
provide resources to recognized entomologists in support of field-based scientific
exploration and research in systematics within Canada. The NDF is financed through
individual donations in support of Biodiversity research.
Projects which will document the fauna by field work in previously unexplored or poorly
explored areas or habitats are preferred. Support is also available for the completion and
publication of already existing projects with a similar focus, but for which additional
field work is not necessary. Recipients of NDF financing will be encouraged to support the
continuation of the program by recognizing NDF donors in the naming of newly discovered
species.
All applications will be assessed by a review panel composed of 3 Canadian systematists.
Various levels of funding are possible (generally $500-$3000), but the number and level of
awards are contingent upon resources available within the Fund.
Deadline for receipt of applications is December 31, 1999.
Results will be made known to applicants by April 1, 2000.
Application materials and more information can be obtained from Robert Anderson, Canadian
Museum of Nature, P.O. Box 3443, Station D, Ottawa, ON. K1P 6P4, or via email: randerson@mus-nature.ca
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