Forums & Conferences

REPORT - Taxonomy Research & Information Network
Third Annual Research Forum, 8-9 April 2010, Adelaide

TRIN’s Third Annual Research Forum was held at the Adelaide Wine Centre, South Australia April 8 to 9 2010.

Summary

Surrounded by Botanic Gardens, there could not have been a more appropriate setting for the 2010 Annual TRIN Forum than the Adelaide Wine Centre. The forum ran for two days and was designed to showcase the research and findings of the projects and to use a collaborative approach to reach the objectives of the Hub during the final phase.

From the discovery of the ant genus Camponotus’ ability to lose and regain its metapleural gland (hygiene gland), to the discovery that Australia’s weedy lantana’s primary genetic influence originates from Venezuela and the Caribbean, the TRIN projects are identifying new taxonomic knowledge of Australia’s biodiversity and bringing it to the 21st Century.

The first day of the forum consisted of an overview of the progress and achievements within the TRIN projects, and highlighted to me, the importance of taxonomy within Australia. Having only been with the project for 3 days and with no scientific background, I was given an informative insight into the relativity of the TRIN network.

A second focus of the forum was to generate communication activities and product delivery for the remaining 6 months of TRIN. Ideas were brainstormed and a collection of where TRIN could present and demonstrate the practical applications of its research was collected.

Following on with the communication theme, the second day began with a media training session run by Econnect Communication. The session put researchers on the spot, as volunteers gave 1 minute unrehearsed and ad lib presentations, and were evaluated by an, external panel of four, including a working journalist. Evaluations were based on audience relevance, body language, use of language and time used, and gave the audience food for thought on how to structure effective communication.

The Forum closed with a session that wrestled over TRIN’s future and its legacy. While still a little uncertain, it is clear that the TRIN network should continue and has had a positive contribution to the conservation of Australia’s biodiversity.