RCN: Integrating and Translating Conservation Paleobiology

该研究协调网络（RCN）正在开发新的方法，利用古生物学和历史数据来改善自然栖息地的管理和恢复。过去的化石和其他档案可以告诉我们在人类出现在我们的星球上之前存在的自然栖息地。此外，研究人员最近表明，化石记录可以帮助我们评估物种和栖息地的持续丧失。也就是说，过去的知识可以帮助我们更好地保护和恢复受威胁的植物和动物。该项目汇集了科学家和利益相关者（社区，机构和行业），以确保历史档案有效地帮助保护工作。该项目通过社区建设活动（研讨会和实地课程），在线培训计划（网络研讨会）和学生教育计划使社会受益。这个研究协调网络（RCN）正在将保护古生物学从一组新颖的学术项目转变为一门应用科学，将地质历史数据转移给利益相关者群体，并善于回应利益相关者的需求。该项目致力于实现两个关键目标：1）内部整合，将不同的努力汇集在一起，建立最佳实践，连接跨地区的努力，并协调对未来研究人员进行这些最佳实践的培训;（2）外部整合，它侧重于科学家和利益相关者的网络，使保护古生物学成为一门转化科学，其中新知识通过科学家之间的互动而发展科学数据用户。为了实现这些目标，我们正在利用基层战略，建立一个实践社区，开发（1）解决保护古生物学关键问题的工作组;（2）系统为重点的实地课程，吸引学生，初级教师和利益相关者;和（3）网络研讨会，致力于培训未来的保护科学家/从业者。RCN由PI和指导委员会管理，指导委员会由科学家，保护实践者和利益相关者组成。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

This Research Coordination Network (RCN) is developing new ways to use paleontological and historical data to improve management and restoration of natural habitats. Fossils and other archives of the past can inform us about natural habitats that existed before humans appeared on our planet. Moreover, researchers have shown recently that the fossil record can help us to assess the ongoing loss of species and habitats. That is, the knowledge of the past can help us to better protect and restore threatened plants and animals. The project brings together scientists and stakeholders (communities, agencies, and industry) to ensure that historical archives effectively assist conservation efforts. The project benefits society via community-building activities (workshops and field courses), online training programs (webinars), and student education programs. Well-tested strategies are maximizing participation of under-represented groups.This Research Coordination Network (RCN) is transforming conservation paleobiology from a cluster of novel academic projects into an applied science that transfers geohistorical data to stakeholder groups and is adept at responding to stakeholder needs. The project addresses two key objectives: 1) Internal Integration, which is bringing together disparate efforts, establishing best practices, connecting efforts across regions, and coordinating the training of future researchers in these best practices; and 2) External Integration, which focuses on networking of scientists and stakeholders to make conservation paleobiology a translational science wherein new knowledge evolves via interactions between scientists and scientific data users. To achieve these goals, we are using grass-roots strategies to build a Community of Practice which is developing (1) Working Groups that tackle key questions of conservation paleobiology; (2) System-Focused Field Courses that engage students, junior faculty, and stakeholders; and (3) Webinars dedicated to training future conservation scientists/practitioners. The RCN is managed by PI and the Steering Committee comprised of scientists, conservation practitioners, and stakeholders.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.