Centre for Plant Biodiversity
Research
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Centre for Plant Biodiversity
Research
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The Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research
Research in Systematics and Conservation Biology - ( Programs A and B )
Australian National Herbarium and Data Management - ( Programs C )
Education, Publicity and Community Liaison - (Program E )
Resources Management - (People, Facilities and Finances)Expanding knowledge of Australian plant biodiversity knowledge scientific excellence, leadership and innovation in plant systematics, and conservation and evolutionary biology.
To enhance knowledge, understanding, conservation and sustainable utilisation of Australia’s plant biodiversity.
The Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research (CPBR) was established in 1993 as a joint venture between CSIRO’s Plant Industry and Environment Australia’s Biodiversity Group. This collaboration created an institute with a high national and international profile in the areas of Australian plant biodiversity research and collections and botanical database management. It also allowed for a diverse range of staff, cultures and interests to converge, a circumstance, which is proving increasingly beneficial to the Centre’s productivity and placement within national and international circles.
Critical to the Centre’s future are the ongoing partnerships with clients and stakeholders. The Centre’s high quality research, its placement as a national body and its national coordinating abilities, are the Centre’s primary attractions to external organisations. Essential to ongoing external interest in the Centre is the maintenance of good levels of communication with these external parties, to enable the Centre to anticipate and respond to current and future developments within the biodiversity sector. Also crucial to the Centre’s future is the ability to deliver research results and Centre products to the wider community, thus encouraging biodiversity awareness and support among clients, stakeholders and the community.
The Centre works within a collaborative environment, enjoying the cooperation of other national and international institutions and individuals. These include other research institutes, educational facilities and bodies which work to develop national and international standards for collection and database management and transfer.
The Centre aims primarily towards assisting with the development of sound practices and techniques to utilise, manage and conserve the Australian flora. This is achieved through Centre research, specimen maintenance and collection, efficient data management practices, the development of Centre products and the promotion of Centre research results and facilities. The Centre aims to improve in all such areas of operation, so as to more effectively contribute to the knowledge base of Australian Biodiversity research and management.
to be a National
Centre of research excellence in the fields of plant systematics and conservation
biology, as a basis for conservation and sustainable management and use of Australian
vegetation
to develop and
manage scientific collections of Australian and related floras as the Australian
National Herbarium, a permanent record of Australian plant diversity, and as
a resource for research on these floras, and to provide the scientific authenticity
of the ANBG
to provide a
national focus for and play a role in national botanical database management,
and to represent and promote Australia internationally within the botanical
database management field
to pursue research,
education and training relevant to Centre programs and objectives
to ensure that
the two parties add value to each other and the Centre, through their differing
backgrounds and disciplines, and, through the Centre, serve the Parent Bodies
and stakeholders, including the Living Collections of the Parties, and
to maximise
the benefits flowing from applications of Centre Intellectual Property
The Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research maintains two broad research programs aimed at furthering the understanding of Australian plant diversity and its conservation for the national benefit.
Program A pursues a systematics approach to its primary goal of determining the biological diversity, distribution, phylogenetic inter-relationships and population genetics of native genera and species of the Australian flora. The research accomplished within this Program provides the core knowledge required for the effective understanding, management and sustainable use of Australia’s biodiversity. This Program relies upon the resources of the Australian National Herbarium in order to answer the basic questions it focuses upon: What are the taxa represented? What are their geographic and ecological distributions? What are their evolutionary and phytogeographic relationships?
Research Program B has as its primary focus the conservation and evolutionary biology of Australian plants. Projects include the study of population dynamics, genetic diversity and the responses of Australian flora to the effects of fire, invasive species, fragmentation and disease. The results of this research are utilised in the development of effective strategies for the conservation of plant species, integrated land use and revegetation projects. This program also conducts research into the use of wild plants as genetic resources for the improvement of agricultural and industrial productivity, research that will aid in improving the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the Australian agricultural industry.
To provide
the scientific basis for the systematic classification, conservation, use and
sustainable management of the Australian flora
To facilitate
and assist with the development of ecologically sound management strategies
and products, for the use and conservation of Australia’s natural resources
To facilitate
the improvement and greater sustainability, competitiveness and productivity
of plant-based industries through the use of molecular biological techniques
To develop
diverse, high quality products for the benefit and use of stakeholders, clients,
collaborators and the public
To undertake
individual and collaborative research of the highest possible international
standards
Ongoing Production of Botanical Research Results of a High Standard
Research
conducting
high-quality research into the systematics and evolution, diversity and conservation
biology of plants and fungi
Resources
providing
effective and appropriate resources to enable Centre research
Staff Training
ongoing
identification of individual training and development needs and ready access
to, and facilitation of, such training
Monitoring and Evaluation Systems
continuing
preparation of individual learning and workplans - to be revised and reviewed
annually
preparation
and regular review of project workplans
ongoing
regular reviews of research programs
submission
of performance reports for external grant-funded research as required
Attracting External Funding, Grants and Collaborative Support
maintaining
the high quality and quantity of Centre research
ensuring
Centre research results are adequately publicised
maintaining
existing collaborative strategies to attract high quality visiting scientists
and students to the Centre
encouraging
staff to compete for external funding
encouraging
the involvement of external agencies in the development of research priorities
and directions
Balance of Research and Technical Staff
maintaining
the balance of research and support staff in order to allow the optimal use
of available resources
seeking
additional funding for the creation of new research and technical positions
Staff
continuing
to attract and retain high quality staff and students to the Centre through
reputation and practice
Effective Communication of the Centre’s Research Outcomes, that Assist in the Development of Ecologically Sound Flora Management and Conservation Strategies
Presentation and Delivery of Research Results
organising
and participating in seminar series, national conferences and workshops run
by the Centre
presenting
findings at externally organised conferences, seminars, lecture series and national
and international scientific meetings
publishing
scientific papers, books, book chapters, journal articles and popular articles
disseminating
the results of relevant research via the World Wide Web
organising
seminars specifically for colleagues and management to inform them of the results
and outcomes of our biodiversity research
Research and Information Outputs from the Centre that Reflect the Needs of Clients, Researchers, Environmental Decision-Makers, Land Managers and the Community
Research
applying
new methods of biodiversity research to improve product quality features, and
efficiency and sustainability of agricultural production systems
conducting
a wide range of strategic and applied research projects that will address the
existing and future problems of Australian native ecosystem management
Centre Products
enhancing
the transfer of essential systematics knowledge through the development of user-friendly
computer based interactive systems for identifying ecologically and economically
significant plant groups
Involvement of External Bodies
continuing
involvement of members of the Centre’s stakeholder community in the setting
of future Centre directions
identifying
the needs of stakeholders, clients and user groups in the setting of future
research directions
ongoing
development of effective communications between researchers and land managers,
decision-makers, clients and the community
ongoing
development of cooperative links at the initiation of research projects
Feedback
seeking
feedback from users on the effective use of research results
organising
workshops based on Centre products
Representation on Policy-Making Bodies
continuing
representation of Centre research staff on policy making advisory bodies
The Maintenance and Development of Mutually Productive Collaborative Programs and Projects with National and International Institutions and Individuals
Collaborative Programs
establishing
strategic alliances and developing and maintaining national and international
collaborative multi-disciplinary research programs for economic and community
benefit, through continued high quality research and communication
ongoing
encouragement of collaborations with universities and educational institutions
through the maintenance of existing student levels within the Centre and the
continuing provision of high quality student supervision
The Australian National Herbarium (ANH) is a collection of geographically and taxonomically representative botanical specimens of Australian and overseas flora. The material held within the ANH is important both as a permanent record of Australia’s plant diversity, and as a resource for strategic research into the plant biodiversity of this country. The ANH holds and manages the voucher collections of the Australian National Botanic Gardens and through its botanical databases provides the scientific authenticity for Gardens collections and information programs.
A major function of staff is the curation of the collection. This includes the processes of acquisition, documentation and the ongoing maintenance and updating of the collection, all of which function to maintain collection reliability. The Herbarium also fulfils a service role through the loan and exchange programs it maintains with other national and international institutions, and through its identification services.
The Australian National Herbarium, in conjunction with the Australian National Botanic Gardens, is also responsible for the Public Reference Herbarium and Public Enquiry Services available through the Gardens. Herbarium staff also take charge of a variety of external professional enquiry services, and, in conjunction with Program E, which coordinates the Centre’s outreach activities, runs the highly regarded student and volunteer programs.
A significant responsibility of the Centre is the establishment and maintenance of flexible and efficient databases of botanical information. These databases are made accessible to researchers, the government and the community, and provide a valuable source of information for research, environmental management, and for public knowledge.
The Internet and the World Wide Web are utilised in order to make Centre research results and botanical information available to the scientific community. The end results of this expanding availability of information are a greater degree of scientific collaboration and a corresponding reduction in the duplication of effort.
The Centre provides a national focus and coordinating role in national database management. A major concern in this area is the implementation of common standards and conventions which will enable the use of larger aggregate datasets from several institutions. Staff are actively involved in the development and implementation of both national and international standards for data exchange, which will allow for greater ease of information exchange for both internal and external users.
To strategically
expand, develop and manage the Australian National Herbarium collections and
associated databases, as a resource for research on Australian and related floras
To promote
and maintain the ANH biological collections as a permanent record of Australian
plant diversity and as an information resource for the conservation and sustainable
management of the Australian flora
To increase
the accessibility to existing holdings and associated databases of Australian
and related floras for research, for the development of commercial opportunities,
for environmental management and for public use
To liaise
with national and international groups, and to meet our obligations and play
a coordinating role in, the documentation and conservation of the diversity
of Australia’s natural ecosystems
To document,
house and authenticate the permanent scientific voucher collection of the Australian
National Botanic Gardens
Maintaining to a High International Standard, the Efficiency and Effectiveness of the Data- and Collection-Management Practices of the Centre
Training and Development
ongoing
identification of individual training and development needs and facilitation
of such training
training
of staff in curatorial techniques and database systems
Collection Management Practices
maintaining
an effective strategic field work program to acquire a comprehensive representation
of our national flora
curating
a world standard collection of herbarium specimens under stable archival conditions,
to maximise accessibility
continuing
whole taxa curation procedures documentation
finalising
procedures documentation
maintaining
type specimen collection and review procedures
maintaining
and increasing promptness of taxonomic curation with respect to recent authoritative
literature
reducing
heritage backlog of curation and data capture
integrating
group curators into service provision and curatorial team-leadership roles
developing
strategic curation priority lists for the Herbarium
developing
and implementing disaster preparedness and recovery plans
Database Management Practices
maintaining
an integrated centralised database
ongoing
integration and refinement of two original computer systems
identifying
priority groups for database entry on a centralised, whole-taxon basis
seeking
additional resources in order to reduce existing database backlog
developing
and implementing new loans and exchange database
ongoing
development of software and hardware systems aimed at increasing operational
efficiency
developing
and maintaining authoritative integrated databases of taxonomic, bibliographical
and census information for Australian and regional plants
ANBG Services
identifying,
maintaining and housing reliably identified vouchers for the plants growing
in the Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG)
maintaining
close linkages with staff and activities of the ANBG Living Collections and
Photographic Collection
integrating
the database applications of the ANBG and the ANH
Ongoing Maintenance and Development of Mutually Productive Collaborative Programs, Projects and Data and Specimen Loan and Exchange with National and International Institutions and Individuals
Collaborative Arrangements
maintaining
and developing collaborative programs and projects such as shared maintenance
of APNI, contribution to the IPNI, and active participation in CHAH and HISCOM
developing
external feedback mechanisms to assess Centre performance in information provision
and management
maintaining
collaborative participation within organisations on national and international
botanical database and transfer standards
maintaining
cooperation and close networking links with other non-CPBR areas of CSIRO and
EA
Contributing Significantly Towards Expanding the Taxonomic Underpinning of Knowledge for Conservation Biology and Landscape Management
Herbarium as a Basis of Research
maintaining
the Herbarium and associated databases as a national resource documenting the
diversity of the Australian flora for botanical research and the development
of strategic partnerships and stakeholder relationships
maintaining
and developing accessibility to the Herbarium and associated databases as a
resource for the publication of scientific papers, handbooks and interactive
tools
providing
essential information for taxonomic research into the identification of plant
taxa, distribution and relationships, information which is critical in the identification
and development of conservation areas and policies
participating
actively in and contributing to, the development of the Virtual Australian Herbarium
The Continuing Development of Collection-Based Centre Products and Information Resources Which Reflect Needs of Staff, Clients, Researchers, Land Managers and the Community
Product Development
providing
continued assistance in the development of botanical tools and information resources,
such as interactive keys, and multimedia products
increasing
the amount of information available over the WWW through the ongoing development
of computer and database technologies and the preparation of summary and explanatory
material
evaluating
the potential for the issuing of identification accreditation certificates
increasing
the amount and types of applications of computerised taxonomic and specimen
data available to users, including the development of GIS capabilities
increasing
the rate of image capture in the field for use in Centre products
The Provision of Efficient and High Quality Enquiry Services to Centre Staff, Clients, Stakeholders, Collaborators and the Public
Enquiry Services
increasing
and improving promptness and quality of services (free, charged or contract),
to ANBG, public and professional enquiries, through effective devolution of
identification responsibilities and improved tracking of enquiries
developing
and implementing communications and technology transfer to ensure the Centre
supports and meets user needs
ongoing
development of more efficient and effective information delivery mechanisms
including extension of controlled access to databases through the Internet
The Centre’s activities relating to education, publicity and community awareness are brought together in this outreach program which provides the ‘Public Face’ of the Centre. It maintains close links with other Centre programs from which it draws the staff and resources to run its activities.
This Program coordinates the training elements of the Centre. The Centre’s student programs comprise a significant and ongoing commitment to the training and education of young scientists. The Summer Student Program allows a small group of students to undertake paid collaborative research within the Centre. The Student Intern Program coordinates a large body of student volunteers, providing training in the form of field-work, laboratory-work, herbarium practices and seminars. In addition to this, the Centre maintains close ties with the Australian National University , through its ongoing joint-supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The Centre also runs a very successful Volunteer Program, providing volunteers with training in botanical curation techniques. Volunteers then assist Herbarium staff in the curation process, undertaking work which is highly beneficial to both the Centre and the volunteers.
In addition to these activities, there are various other ways the Centre links to the general public through its Awareness Program. Both Parties have public display facilities, CSIRO’s Discovery Centre and ANBG’s Visitor Centre, and the Centre liaises and contributes scientific expertise to both these venues. The Centre also contributes scientific expertise to projects administered by the school education facilities of both Parties, CSIRO’s Green Machine and ANBG’s Education Unit. A Public Reference Herbarium and Plant Identification Service are available to the general public through the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Centre staff also freely and regularly give their time conducting herbarium tours, and giving lectures and workshops to the public, encouraging people to learn of the importance of biodiversity and the Centre’s research.
The promotion of the Centre and its research is also achieved within this program, through the production of pamphlets, flyers, posters and other promotional materials and activities, and also through the maintenance of links with the media and through the provision of information via the Internet.
To enhance
awareness of the Centre and stimulate interest in its goals, functions, and
research
To contribute
to the training and education of Centre volunteers, and of students of systematics,
conservation biology and related disciplines
To stimulate
awareness of the value of biodiversity for the community, colleagues and stakeholders
To provide
Herbarium information and services to the general public
Effectively Communicate and Gain Acceptance of the Centre’s Research Role and Outcomes
Communications Committee
coordinating
the publicity and promotional roles of the Centre
increasing
community awareness of the Centre’s role and research through the publication
of promotional materials such as information sheets, flyers and displays, and
through media outlets and the organisation of seminars and workshops
encouraging
media-consciousness among Centre staff
developing
an authoritative and interesting Internet site designed to provide information
on the Centre and its activities and controlled access to Centre databases
Media Liaison
utilising
the Public Relations resources of the parent Parties to promote research and
other activities of the Centre
A Centre Volunteer Program Run in Accordance with Best People Management and Industrial Practices, Beneficial to Both Volunteers and the Centre
Volunteer Program
maintaining,
through ongoing training and recruitment, a contingent of well-trained, satisfied
and enthusiastic volunteers who provide a significant net contribution to the
Centre
ensuring
Centre staff accept and welcome the Volunteer role within the Centre
conducting
a three-yearly review of the Volunteer Program, which will allow the Centre
to better cater to the requirements of both the Centre and the volunteers
ensuring
appropriate workplace conditions are implemented for volunteers
Continuing Development of Programs of Paid and Unpaid Student Training, with Outcomes of Benefit to Both Students and the Centre
Student Education and Training
maintaining
close collaborations with tertiary institutions and other educational agencies
to facilitate the training of undergraduate and graduate students in systematics,
conservation biology and related disciplines
maintaining
the existing close relationship with the Australian National University through
ongoing joint research, joint use of facilities, Centre staff lecturing in ANU
courses, and the continued co-supervision of ANU students
continuing
to run and improve the Centre Intern Program, which provides valuable additional
labour resources for the ANH
continuing
to run and modestly increase, the Summer Student Program, which provides funded,
supervised positions for young researchers to pursue areas of study complementary
to Centre research goals
undertaking
research into future student needs and the success they attribute to the Centre
in terms of their future career prospects
Greater Proportion of Staff Working With the Community in Environmental and Biodiversity Activities
Staff and Community Involvement
ongoing
participation of staff in the giving of presentations at public lectures and
workshops
encouraging
the community to become involved in environmental and biodiversity activities
through Centre publicity and promotion
cooperating
with secondary teaching institutions to demonstrate biodiversity research in
action, such as the development of environmental projects to be administered
through the CSIRO’s Green Machine and the ANBG Education Unit
increasing
the potential for the use of Centre databases in revegetation and biodiversity
programs, such as those organised by Bushcare and Landcare
organising
and participating in awareness activities for the community
Greater Public Interest in Environmental and Biodiversity Issues and Increasing Use of the Centre Facilities Made Available to the Community
Awareness Activities
ongoing
participation in public awareness activities such as the Science Festival, Green
Machine, Biota, ANBG Exhibits and the CSIRO Discovery Centre
Public Reference Herbarium and Enquiry Services
(in conjunction with Programs C and D)
ongoing
development of the Public Reference Herbarium collection and database capabilities
developing
and increasing public access to Centre databases and interactive keys
continuing
provision of plant identification services through the ANBG Visitor Information
Centre
increasing
the promotion of the Public Reference Herbarium and developing greater self-service
skills, through Centre and ANBG publicity
The Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research understands that a productive workplace is achieved through staff who are satisfied, stimulated and fulfilled by their work and working environment. To this end, the Centre aims to encourage the development of a workplace which advocates positive interpersonal relationships, and acknowledges the needs, ideas and contributions of all staff.
Centre staff are employed under legislation which guarantees them a safe, secure and equitable working environment, and Centre management will aim to ensure that the rights and obligations of each member of staff, are upheld and valued by all. These conditions extend to the Centre’s Honorary Research Fellows, Volunteers and Associates.
Centre management works to ensure that adequate resources are available for all essential Centre activities, and will continue to seek external funding to supplement the working budget received from the two parent bodies. The Centre management also maintains responsibility for management planning and for all aspects of the Centre’s internal coordination, including internal communications and program development and review.
To maintain
a full complement of active staff
To provide
a safe and fair workplace with appropriate working conditions
To provide
for staff training and development needs
To provide
a stimulating, productive and enjoyable workplace
To encourage
staff from both Parties to work harmoniously together as a united workforce
The building
of an extension to provide additional work and collection space
To identify
and secure adequate funds to implement Centre strategies
To provide
appropriate means of two-way communication within the Centre
Productive and Effective Staff, Students and Volunteers, Achieving High Job Satisfaction Through Their Contribution to Centre Activities
Facilities
providing
a comfortable, safe and inviting work environment through the provision of adequate
Centre facilities which are kept in good repair
providing
work facilities for retired scientists and other non-staff workers and volunteers
providing
reliable, integrated computer systems and technical support
ongoing
lobbying for funds and development of plans for a building extension which will
house all Canberra Centre staff
providing
adequate physical accommodation for staff and equipment
Staff Training and Development
annual
development and review of individual staff work and learning plans which identify
milestones and training and development needs
maintaining
a policy of encouraging staff to attend to personal development needs
continuing
promotion of individual staff interests as they complement operational requirements
Staff Communication
encouraging
group planning and ideas development
ongoing
provision for formal and informal presentations and meetings
Recruitment
seeking
new staff with relevant skills and qualifications, as finances dictate
Workplace
providing
a safe, fair and equitable working environment through implementation and adherence
to Occupational Health and Safety, Industrial Democracy and Equal Employment
Opportunity legislation
Efficient and Effective Management Planning and Coordination of All Aspects of the Centre and its Programs
Program Planning and Review
maintaining
regular Research reviews
maintaining
strategic planning of all Centre projects and programs
creating,
reviewing and revising Operational Plans
Coordination of Centre and Programs
running
frequent Centre Executive meetings
reporting
regularly to and discussing issues with, the Centre Board
establishing
appropriate committees and working groups containing relevant personnel
Internal Communication
providing
informal and formal staff meetings which involve personnel in the decision making
process, resulting in decisions which are transparent to, and inclusive of,
all staff
distributing
to all staff a solicited monthly newsletter
ongoing
intra-Program communication development through weekly newsletters, updates,
informal staff meetings, talks or presentations.
Sound Financial Planning for the Centre and its Programs
Sound Financial Planning
ongoing
appointment of Centre Agent who takes charge of assigning financial resources
and of maintaining accurate and efficient recording and reporting methods for
all Centre financial transactions.
ongoing
negotiation of annual budget
strategic
planning of future directions to identify imminent financial needs
collecting
stakeholder input in order to determine future Centre directions
procuring
additional funding from sources such as government agencies, peer reviewed grants
from R&D corporations, industry or private sector sources
establishing
the feasibility of a Centre marketing plan
establishing
the feasibility of a dedicated fundraising trust