Systematics is the scientific study of biodiversity and its historical patterns and processes. A broad coalition of systematic biologists has organized to undertake an initiative to document research trends and priorities within their discipline. This initiative called Systematics Agenda 2000: Integrating Biological Diversity and Societal Needs, takes as its unifying themes: (1) the role of systematics in the study and preservation of biodiversity, (2) the integrative role of systematics in comparative biology, and (3) the role and importance of systematics in human affairs. Systematics Agenda 2000 is directed by a Steering Committee and Advisory Board and consists of 27 Standing Committees encompassing the breadth of systematic biology, including both basic and applied research. This grant is to support the work of the Standing Committees, to have a general meeting of Standing Committee co- chairs to synthesize their findings, to support the work of the Steering Committee/Advisory Board, and to support editorial and publication expenses. Systematics Agenda 2000 will publish two documents that will synthesize important research trends and priorities, identify infrastructural needs for supporting systematic research, and document the role and importance of systematics in human affairs.
