This proposal by Dr. Jonathan Roughgarden of Stanford University is to conduct a workshop/seminar on theoretical aspects of field ecology. This section of ecological research brings the more exact but simpler science of mathematics to bear on ecological problems. The ecological community has experienced for some years now the elegant, though sometimes incredible revelations of this approach. This approaches proponents, though highly enamored of their contributions, do not enjoy the credulity they feel is their due from the ecological community. Their clamant is recognized and there is much to be gained by conjoining mathematics with ecology, especially if the former provides succint formulations that clearly and truly embody the biological principles involved. This requires clearer understandings between mathematical/theoretical ecologists and empericist/theoretical ecologists. To this end, a workshop involving the two groups is necessary and long overdue. The field of ecology will be served in many of its facets, including computer simulation of ecology, population and ecosystem ecology. Dr. Roughgarden and his colleages at Stanford have reputations in this area and Stanford is equipped to support this workshop. The Program recommends funding.
