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(above, l-r) E.O. Wilson accepts
a Lifetime Achievement Medal for contributions to the science of
biodiversity from Mark Hunter, director of the new Center for Biodiversity
and Ecosystem Processes. (Photo courtesy Bud Freeman) |
ACADEMY EXPANDS
Center for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Processes Approved
by Laurie Anderson
Ghosts and graveyards were the last thing on
Mark Hunter’s mind this past Halloween. Rather, he was
wondering if a new, life-oriented venture would get its start. When he
received word later that day that University of Georgia president Michael
Adams had approved the creation of the Center for Biodiversity and Ecosystem
Processes (CBEP), Hunter could say that, instead of associating October
31st with departed spirits, the date marked the birth of a young interdisciplinary
body that could help preserve living systems all over the world.
The mission of the center, Hunter first noted in a proposal to create
the unit, is to serve as “a focal point for research on biodiversity
and the ecosystem processes that sustain life.” The center’s
formation came in part as a response to threats to the diversity of life
on Earth, states their website.
Benefits
Among other things, the new center acts as “an intellectual gathering
place for researchers….who are working at the interface between
population and ecosystem ecology," says Paul
Hendrix, a faculty member in both the Institute of Ecology
and Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. "This is an exciting area
of research that holds opportunities to address basic and applied questions
in ecology and environmental sciences generally.”
Hendrix was the first faculty member to see a grant -- $500,000 from the
National Science Foundation -- administered by the CBEP.
The establishment of an interdisciplinary unit to address biodiversity
questions will also “improve the coordination of research and outreach
activities,” says Hunter.
Hendrix agrees. “It's a new and different program that ultimately
will benefit [our own and] other units on and off campus.”
Organization
Upon the unit’s creation, Hunter was appointed director by CED Dean
Jack Crowley. Oversight is the responsibility of CBEP’s executive
committee, which consists of faculty from eleven different units of the
university. The center forms part of the Academy
of the Environment, under the aegis of the College of Environment
and Design.
Hunter is joined by numerous other researchers.
“Over fifty faculty from across the university have joined the CBEP
and contribute to its activities,” said the scientist. “In
addition, we have collaborative links with the [Georgia] State Museum
of Natural History, the State Botanical Gardens, Highlands Biological
Station (of Highlands, NC), Archbold Biological Station of Lake Placid,
Florida, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the U.S. Forest Service.”
Financing
Budget needs will be met in part by overhead returns and/or fees on grants
administered through the center, says Hunter. An endowment is also being
sought to sustainably support core activities. Currently, the CBEP has
obtained $300,000 to manage the Odum
Watershed as a “living laboratory,” and there is a million
dollars in active research grants running through the new unit.
“Getting the final approval was a big relief. I'm also excited to
see the first grants start to run through the center - it's great to see
the interest in biological diversity among faculty and students throughout
the University of Georgia,” said the new director.
Kudos
On March 25, 2003, the center officially opened. The opening coincided
with the bestowal of CBEP’s first Lifetime
Achievement Medal to E.O. Wilson, of Harvard University.
“Professor Wilson's contributions are especially noteworthy because
he has applied rigorous scientific methods to understanding the evolution
and maintenance of biodiversity....Professor Wilson has [also] been tireless
in communicating the importance of biodiversity to the general public,”
said Hunter. “His research accomplishments resonate with the mission
of the center.”
For further information about CBEP activities and opportunities,
a list of participating faculty, or to send news about your own research
programs, contact Mark Hunter, (706) 542-1801 or mhunter@sparc.ecology.uga.edu.
This page last updated Nov. 18, 2003.
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