CINXE.COM
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" ><generator uri="https://jekyllrb.com/" version="3.9.2">Jekyll</generator><link href="/feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/atom+xml" /><link href="/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" /><updated>2025-04-04T20:01:39+00:00</updated><id>/feed.xml</id><title type="html">TDWG</title><subtitle>TDWG website</subtitle><entry><title type="html">Call for comments on Taxonomic Concept Schema V2</title><link href="/news/2025/public-review-of-taxon-concept-schema-v2/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Call for comments on Taxonomic Concept Schema V2" /><published>2025-04-04T00:00:00+00:00</published><updated>2025-04-04T00:00:00+00:00</updated><id>/news/2025/public-review-of-taxon-concept-schema-v2</id><content type="html" xml:base="/news/2025/public-review-of-taxon-concept-schema-v2/"><p><strong>Call for comments on the new version of the Taxon Concept Schema (TCS)</strong></p> <p>The <a href="/community/tnc/">Taxon Concept Schema (TCS) Maintenance Group</a> would like to announce the start of a minimum 30-day period for public review of a major new version of TCS, <a href="https://github.com/tdwg/tcs2/blob/master/docs/tcs-terms">Taxon Concept Standard (TCS) 2</a>.</p> <p>TCS 2 is a major revision of TCS and comes with a proposal to change the name of the standard from ‘Taxon Concept Schema’ to ‘Taxon Concept Standard’. The purpose of the present revision was to convert TCS to a vocabulary standard, like Darwin Core, that does not prescribe a data format and that can be maintained under the <a href="/standards/vms/">Vocabulary Maintenance Standard (VMS)</a>. At this stage, we do not add any new concepts that were not already in TCS 1, but they can be proposed for addition later in a similar process that is already in place for other current TDWG standards.</p> <p>Because this is a major change, the VMS requires a <a href="https://github.com/tdwg/tcs2/tree/master/docs/feature-report">Feature Report</a> and an <a href="https://github.com/tdwg/tcs2/tree/master/docs/implementation-experience-report">Implementation Experience Report</a>. These documents, together with the <a href="https://github.com/tdwg/tcs2/tree/master/docs/tcs-terms">Term List</a> and some other documentation, can be accessed from the <a href="https://github.com/tdwg/tcs2/tree/master/docs/tcs-terms">Documentation page of the TCS2 GitHub repository</a>. As an indication that there is still ample room for community input and improvement, no website has been created yet.</p> <p>The best way to participate in the public review is to comment on the GitHub issues that have been created for each term. These GitHub issues are linked to from the <a href="https://github.com/tdwg/tcs2/tree/master/docs/tcs-terms">Term List</a> and can also be accessed from the <a href="https://github.com/tdwg/tcs2/issues?q=is%3Aissue%20state%3Aopen%20milestone%3A%22TCS%202%20initial%20release%22">TCS 2 Initial Release Milestone</a>. For discussions that span multiple terms, or that might result in a lot of comments, we will create separate GitHub Discussions.</p> <p>We are organising two information and discussion sessions during the TDWG Working Sessions that will be held from 14 to 25 April, one on <a href="https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=Taxon%20Concept%20Standard&amp;iso=20250416T1000">Wednesday, April 16, at 10:00 UTC</a> and another on <a href="https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=Taxon%20Concept%20Standard&amp;iso=20250417T2100">Thursday, April 17, at 21:00 UTC</a>. Please go to the <a href="/community/working-sessions/2025/">Working Sessions 2025</a> page on the TDWG website to register if you are interested in attending one (or both) of these events. These sessions will be very good opportunities to learn more about and contribute to TCS. We hope to see many of you there.</p> <p>Your comments are welcome and are important to make TCS the active standard that we want it to be.</p> <p>Thank you,</p> <p>The TCS Maintenance Group</p></content><author><name></name></author><category term="standards" /><category term="public review" /><category term="Darwin Core" /><summary type="html">Call for comments on the new version of the Taxon Concept Schema (TCS)</summary></entry><entry><title type="html">2025 Working Sessions for TDWG Interest/Task/Maintenance Groups</title><link href="/news/2025/2025-working-sessions-index/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="2025 Working Sessions for TDWG Interest/Task/Maintenance Groups" /><published>2025-03-31T00:00:00+00:00</published><updated>2025-03-31T00:00:00+00:00</updated><id>/news/2025/2025-working-sessions/index</id><content type="html" xml:base="/news/2025/2025-working-sessions-index/"><h2 id="virtual-sessions-for-interest-task-and-maintenance-groups">Virtual sessions for interest, task, and maintenance groups</h2> <p>Interest and task groups are the driving force for developing and maintaining TDWG standards. The TDWG community is dynamic – people come and go – so every year we hold virtual working sessions to:</p> <ul> <li>inform the wider biodiversity informatics community about the group’s work;</li> <li>review progress to date;</li> <li>engage new contributors; and</li> <li>set the agenda for this year’s work.</li> </ul> <p>The TDWG community spans the globe, so it’s difficult to reach everyone at a reasonable hour. Some groups will hold their session twice to reach the East or West hemispheres at convenient times. But note, if the scheduled time is inconvenient or you have a conflict, we will also record every session and post the videos on the TDWG YouTube channel.</p> <h2 id="schedule-and-registration">Schedule and registration</h2> <p>Working session will be held over two weeks, April 14-25. The images below show the sessions in each week.</p> <p>See the <a href="/community/working-sessions/2025/"><strong>detailed schedule</strong></a> for the time of each session translated into your local time zone, and the <strong>link to register</strong> for each session.</p> <h3 id="week-1-14-17-april">Week 1, 14-17 April</h3> <p><a href="/community/working-sessions/2025/#session-details"><img src="https://static.tdwg.org/images/sessions/2025/week-1-900.png" alt="14-17 April" /></a></p> <h3 id="week-2-22-25-april">Week 2, 22-25 April</h3> <p><a href="/community/working-sessions/2025/#session-details"><img src="https://static.tdwg.org/images/sessions/2025/week-2-900.png" alt="22-25 April" /></a></p></content><author><name></name></author><category term="standards" /><category term="working sessions" /><summary type="html">Virtual sessions for interest, task, and maintenance groups</summary></entry><entry><title type="html">Community help desk for Darwin Core public review</title><link href="/news/2025/community-help-desk-for-darwin-core-public-review/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Community help desk for Darwin Core public review" /><published>2025-03-09T00:00:00+00:00</published><updated>2025-03-09T00:00:00+00:00</updated><id>/news/2025/Community-help-desk-for-Darwin-Core-public-review</id><content type="html" xml:base="/news/2025/community-help-desk-for-darwin-core-public-review/"><h2 id="when-tuesday-march-11th-from-300pm---400pm-est-utc-4">When: Tuesday, March 11th from 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST (UTC-4)</h2> <p>This event has already happened. Watch the <a href="https://youtu.be/--4mmMxpCAM?si=3ebRn0cb74GkBYX0"><strong>recorded presentation</strong></a> and first few comments (13 mins).</p> <p><em>[Most of the discussion was not recorded to encourage anyone new to TDWG to ask questions.]</em></p> <h2 id="what-community-help-desk-for-darwin-core-public-review">What: Community help desk for Darwin Core public review</h2> <p>Are you curious about the current Darwin Core public review period but not sure how to engage? Meaning to think about it but need time on the calendar to make it happen? Not certain how to interpret all of the documentation and discussion? Join us for an informal help desk session dedicated to orienting new participants and answering questions. We will begin with a 10-minute overview of the TDWG public review process, followed by open discussion and Q&amp;A. Discover what changes are being suggested, what new terms are being proposed, and how you can share your thoughts!</p> <h2 id="this-event-was-hosted-by">This event was hosted by:</h2> <ul> <li>@Erica Krimmel - TDWG Regional Representative for North America and</li> <li>@Deb Paul - Biodiversity Informatics Liaison/Species File Group, past TDWG Chair 2021-2022.</li> </ul> <p>Please direct any questions to <a href="mailto:ekrimmel@gmail.com">Erica</a>.</p></content><author><name></name></author><category term="standards" /><category term="public review" /><category term="Darwin Core" /><summary type="html">When: Tuesday, March 11th from 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST (UTC-4)</summary></entry><entry><title type="html">Public review of proposed changes to Darwin Core</title><link href="/news/2025/darwin-core-public-review-2025/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Public review of proposed changes to Darwin Core" /><published>2025-02-24T00:00:00+00:00</published><updated>2025-02-24T00:00:00+00:00</updated><id>/news/2025/darwin-core-public-review-2025</id><content type="html" xml:base="/news/2025/darwin-core-public-review-2025/"><h2 id="call-for-comments-on-proposed-changes-maintenance-to-darwin-core">Call for comments on proposed changes (maintenance) to <a href="https://dwc.tdwg.org">Darwin Core</a></h2> <p>The members of the <a href="/community/dwc/">Darwin Core Maintenance Group</a> would like to announce the opening of a minimum 30-day period for public review for the accumulated set of proposed changes to Darwin Core.</p> <p>Please refer to the documentation we have provided on the review process and the maintenance of the Darwin Core standard in general at <a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/wiki/Darwin-Core-Maintenance-Frequently-Asked-Questions">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/wiki/Darwin-Core-Maintenance-Frequently-Asked-Questions</a>.</p> <p>For your reference and convenience we are providing a table with links to the proposed changes, organized in keeping with the order in the Darwin Core Quick Reference Guide (<a href="https://dwc.tdwg.org/terms/">https://dwc.tdwg.org/terms/</a>). The relevant issues are also listed in the following milestone: <a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/milestone/19">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/milestone/19</a>.</p> <p>Your comments are welcome and important for the evolution of the Darwin Core standard.</p> <p>Thank you,</p> <p>The Darwin Core Maintenance Team</p> <h2 id="pending-proposals-to-add-modify-or-deprecate-darwin-core-terms">Pending proposals to add, modify, or deprecate Darwin Core terms</h2> <table> <thead> <tr> <th style="text-align: left">Category</th> <th style="text-align: left">Term</th> <th style="text-align: left">Issue</th> <th style="text-align: left">Action</th> <th style="text-align: left">Nature</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Record-level</td> <td style="text-align: left">dc:type</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/512">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/512</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">change</td> <td style="text-align: left">erratum</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Record-level</td> <td style="text-align: left">institutionID</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/514">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/514</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">change</td> <td style="text-align: left">erratum</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Record-level</td> <td style="text-align: left">collectionID</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/513">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/513</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">change</td> <td style="text-align: left">erratum</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Record-level</td> <td style="text-align: left">digitalSpecimenID</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/530">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/530</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">new</td> <td style="text-align: left">normative</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Record-level</td> <td style="text-align: left">discipline</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/529">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/529</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">new</td> <td style="text-align: left">normative</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Record-level</td> <td style="text-align: left">feedbackURL</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/180">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/180</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">new</td> <td style="text-align: left">normative</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Occurrence</td> <td style="text-align: left">occurrenceID</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/491">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/491</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">change</td> <td style="text-align: left">non-normative</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Occurrence</td> <td style="text-align: left">substrate</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/504">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/504</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">new</td> <td style="text-align: left">normative</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Organism</td> <td style="text-align: left">causeOfDeath</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/521">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/521</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">new</td> <td style="text-align: left">normative</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">MaterialEntity</td> <td style="text-align: left">objectType</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/517">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/517</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">new</td> <td style="text-align: left">normative</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Event</td> <td style="text-align: left">fundingBodyName</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/533">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/533</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">new</td> <td style="text-align: left">normative</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Event</td> <td style="text-align: left">fundingBodyID</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/534">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/534</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">new</td> <td style="text-align: left">normative</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Event</td> <td style="text-align: left">projectName</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/531">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/531</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">new</td> <td style="text-align: left">normative</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Event</td> <td style="text-align: left">projectID</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/532">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/532</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">new</td> <td style="text-align: left">normative</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Location</td> <td style="text-align: left">countryCode</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/520">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/520</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">change</td> <td style="text-align: left">non-normative</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Location</td> <td style="text-align: left">geodeticDatum</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/528">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/528</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">change</td> <td style="text-align: left">non-normative</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Location</td> <td style="text-align: left">georeferenceRemarks</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/510">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/510</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">change</td> <td style="text-align: left">non-normative</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">GeologicalContext</td> <td style="text-align: left">latestEonOrHighestEonothem</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/511">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/511</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">change</td> <td style="text-align: left">erratum</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">GeologicalContext</td> <td style="text-align: left">lithostratigraphicTerms</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/509">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/509</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">change</td> <td style="text-align: left">erratum</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Identification</td> <td style="text-align: left">identificationReferences</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/493">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/493</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">change</td> <td style="text-align: left">non-normative</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Identification</td> <td style="text-align: left">identifiedBy</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/492">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/492</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">change</td> <td style="text-align: left">non-normative</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Identification</td> <td style="text-align: left">typifiedName</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/28">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/28</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">new</td> <td style="text-align: left">normative</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Identification</td> <td style="text-align: left">typeStatus</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/525">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/525</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">change</td> <td style="text-align: left">non-normative</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Taxon</td> <td style="text-align: left">acceptedNameUsage</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/515">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/515</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">change</td> <td style="text-align: left">erratum</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Taxon</td> <td style="text-align: left">subgenus</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/320">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/320</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">change</td> <td style="text-align: left">normative</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Taxon</td> <td style="text-align: left">sensitiveVernacularName</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/522">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/522</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">new</td> <td style="text-align: left">normative</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">MeasurementOrFact</td> <td style="text-align: left">verbatimMeasurementType</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/518">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/518</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">new</td> <td style="text-align: left">normative</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Controlled Vocabulary - establishmentMeans</td> <td style="text-align: left">nativeEndemic</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/434">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/434</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">new</td> <td style="text-align: left">normative</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Controlled Vocabulary - establishmentMeans</td> <td style="text-align: left">nativeReintroduced</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/508">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/508</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">change</td> <td style="text-align: left">erratum</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Controlled Vocabulary - pathway</td> <td style="text-align: left">naturalDispersal</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/505">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/505</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">change</td> <td style="text-align: left">erratum</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Controlled Vocabulary - pathway</td> <td style="text-align: left">otherTransport</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/506">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/506</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">change</td> <td style="text-align: left">erratum</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Controlled Vocabulary - pathway</td> <td style="text-align: left">transportContaminant</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/507">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/507</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">change</td> <td style="text-align: left">erratum</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: left">Humboldt Extension</td> <td style="text-align: left">isLeastSpecificTargetCategoryQuantityInclusive</td> <td style="text-align: left"><a href="https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/516">https://github.com/tdwg/dwc/issues/516</a></td> <td style="text-align: left">change</td> <td style="text-align: left">erratum</td> </tr> </tbody> </table></content><author><name></name></author><category term="standards" /><category term="public review" /><category term="Darwin Core" /><summary type="html">Call for comments on proposed changes (maintenance) to Darwin Core</summary></entry><entry><title type="html">Call for Executive Committee nominations (2025–2026)</title><link href="/news/2024/call-for-nominations/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Call for Executive Committee nominations (2025–2026)" /><published>2024-11-05T00:00:00+00:00</published><updated>2024-11-05T00:00:00+00:00</updated><id>/news/2024/call-for-nominations</id><content type="html" xml:base="/news/2024/call-for-nominations/"><p>Nominations are open for positions on the <a href="/about/executive/">Executive Committee</a> for Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG). <strong>Nomination deadline is 15 November 2024.</strong> See the list of <a href="/about/executive/nominations/">current nominations</a>.</p> <p>The term for each role is 2 years, commencing on 1 January 2025.</p> <p>This is an opportunity to lead the future of biodiversity informatics and work with an enthusiastic team to improve the quality and interoperability of biodiversity data.</p> <p>Positions on the Executive are staggered two-year terms, such that usually no more than half of the committee will be new in any year. Towards the end of every calendar year, TDWG holds elections for terms that are expiring and need to be filled for the coming year. Officers elected this year will serve terms from 2025 through 2026. The open positions and their responsibilities are detailed below, followed by the schedule and procedures for nominations and the election.</p> <table> <thead> <tr> <th>Role</th> <th>Term</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>Deputy Chair</td> <td>2025-26 (2027-28 as Chair)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Secretary</td> <td>2025-26</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Treasurer</td> <td>2025-26</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Chair of Outreach and Communications</td> <td>2025-26</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Regional Representative for Africa</td> <td>2025-26</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Regional Representative for Asia</td> <td>2025-26</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Regional Representative for Europe</td> <td>2025-26</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Regional Representative for Latin America</td> <td>2025-26</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Regional Representative for North America</td> <td>2025-26</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>TDWG is an international organization that promotes the digitization, integration, and sharing of information about the world’s biodiversity. TDWG provides a forum where individuals, projects, and institutions who manage biodiversity data can come together to share expertise and promote interoperability by promulgating standards and best practices. TDWG also publishes the Biodiversity Information Science and Standards (BISS) journal where papers on issues related to information technology and biodiversity science can be published. You would be a member of the TDWG Executive Committee, which oversees the work of TDWG: coordinates TDWG Interest and Task Groups, manages the review and ratification of standards, manages the organization’s journal, and organizes the annual meeting. These responsibilities are set forth in the Constitution and detailed further in supplementary documents.</p> <p>Positions on the Executive are staggered two-year terms, such that no more than half of the committee will be new in any year. Towards the end of every calendar year, TDWG holds elections for terms that are expiring and need to be filled for the coming year. Officers elected this year will serve terms from 2023 through 2024. The open positions and their responsibilities are detailed below, followed by the schedule and procedures for nominations and the election.</p> <h2 id="general-responsibilities">General responsibilities</h2> <p>All officers, including Subcommittee Chairs, have voting rights on the Executive Committee, and are expected to participate in the committee’s conference calls, which are generally every two weeks. Executive Committee members are expected to find their own support to travel to attend the annual conference. Discounted registration to the conference may be offered.</p> <h2 id="offices-open-for-election">Offices open for election</h2> <h3 id="deputy-chair">Deputy Chair</h3> <p>The Chair of TDWG holds the post for four years, two as the Deputy Chair and two as the Chair. They preside at meetings of TDWG and at meetings of the Executive Committee. They are responsible for leading TDWG, they seek advice from the Executive Committee and conveners of Interest, Maintenance and Task Groups. They write an annual update to members on TDWG’s status, activities, priorities and vision for the year ahead.</p> <p>Unless delegated to other Executive Committee members, the Chair represents TDWG at meetings, conferences and other meetings. The Chair also opens and closes presentations at the annual conference.</p> <h3 id="secretary">Secretary</h3> <p>The Secretary is responsible for coordinating the activities of the Executive Committee and for the daily business of Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG). They organize meeting agendas and take minutes. They help to coordinate the review of standards and the organization of Interest and Task Groups. The Secretary acts as a proxy for the Chair during any significant period of unavailability, and serves as the channel of formal communication to the Executive Committee for all official business.</p> <h3 id="treasurer">Treasurer</h3> <p>The Treasurer of TDWG holds the post for two years, which can be extended into consecutive terms. They manage the finances of TDWG, including grants, conference expenses and memberships. They work closely with the Administrator of the TDWG Secretariat as well as the other managing officers (Chair, Deputy Chair and Secretary). They write an annual financial statement, which is usually presented during a business meeting at the TDWG conference.</p> <p>The Treasurer also has signature authority on TDWG bank accounts. As TDWG is incorporated in the USA, and the main bank account is with an American bank, the Treasurer would normally reside in the USA and hold a Social Security Number in the USA.</p> <h3 id="chair-of-outreach-and-communications">Chair of Outreach and Communications</h3> <p>The Outreach and Communications subcommittee is responsible for outreach and communication of the TDWG vision and mission. The activities of the subcommittee can be found <a href="/about/committees/outreach/index.md">here</a>. Most important among these are the development and distribution of communication material on TDWG standards, conferences, and current TDWG activities.</p> <h3 id="regional-representatives-africa-asia-europe-latin-america-and-north-america">Regional Representatives: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America</h3> <p>Regional Representatives give voice to the members, institutions, and projects in their region, and collectively provide a global perspective to the Executive Committee. As members of the Executive Committee, Regional Representatives have responsibility for the oversight of TDWG and the authority to approve/decline strategic initiatives, budgets, and all aspects of operations and activities. The Executive Committee also approves or declines the formation of Interest and Task Groups, as well as the ratification of standards and best practice specifications produced by Interest and Task Groups.</p> <h2 id="nomination-procedure">Nomination procedure</h2> <p>To nominate someone for one of the positions above, first confirm that the nominee is willing to accept the responsibilities of the office. Then work with the nominee to send a brief statement of the nominee’s background and vision (maximum 400 words) to the TDWG Secretary (<a href="mailto:secretary@tdwg.org">secretary@tdwg.org</a>). Self nominations are accepted. All nominations must be complete and received by <strong>15 November 2024</strong>.</p> <h2 id="election-procedure">Election procedure</h2> <p>The TDWG secretariat will post nominees’ statements to the TDWG website and distribute ballots to all institutional and individual members in good standing. In the case of institutional members, we will notify the primary and secondary contacts, but only one ballot response will be accepted. If you are uncertain about your membership status, please inquire with the TDWG Treasurer (<a href="mailto:treasurer@tdwg.org">treasurer@tdwg.org</a>). Institutional ballots will be weighted as five individual ballots.</p> <h2 id="deadline">Deadline</h2> <p><strong>Nominations due by 15 November 2024</strong> Ballots will be distributed by email shortly thereafter. The balloting period will be at least 30 days from the date of distribution. Exact date-times will be announced via TDWG announcements and posted here.</p></content><author><name></name></author><category term="elections" /><summary type="html">Nominations are open for positions on the Executive Committee for Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG). Nomination deadline is 15 November 2024. See the list of current nominations.</summary></entry><entry><title type="html">Creation of the Sensitive Species Extension Task Group of the Darwin Core Maintenance Group</title><link href="/news/2024/sensitive-species-tg/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Creation of the Sensitive Species Extension Task Group of the Darwin Core Maintenance Group" /><published>2024-06-12T00:00:00+00:00</published><updated>2024-06-12T00:00:00+00:00</updated><id>/news/2024/sensitive-species-TG</id><content type="html" xml:base="/news/2024/sensitive-species-tg/"><p>The <a href="/about/executive/">TDWG Executive Committee</a> is pleased to announce that a new task group has been set up and is looking for members - the Sensitive Species Extension Task Group of the Darwin Core Maintenance Group. This group will build on <a href="https://docs.gbif.org/sensitive-species-best-practices/master/en/">Arthur Chapman’s work</a>. To sign up please join our <a href="https://lists.tdwg.org/mailman/listinfo/dwc-sensitive-species">mailing list</a> and contribute via <a href="https://github.com/tdwg/sensitive-species-extension">github</a>.</p></content><author><name></name></author><category term="standards" /><category term="Darwin Core" /><category term="Sensitive Species Extension" /><category term="new Task Group" /><summary type="html">The TDWG Executive Committee is pleased to announce that a new task group has been set up and is looking for members - the Sensitive Species Extension Task Group of the Darwin Core Maintenance Group. This group will build on Arthur Chapman’s work. To sign up please join our mailing list and contribute via github.</summary></entry><entry><title type="html">Working Sessions for TDWG Interest/Task/Maintenance Groups</title><link href="/news/2024/working-sessions/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Working Sessions for TDWG Interest/Task/Maintenance Groups" /><published>2024-02-15T00:00:00+00:00</published><updated>2024-02-15T00:00:00+00:00</updated><id>/news/2024/working-sessions</id><content type="html" xml:base="/news/2024/working-sessions/"><h1 id="tdwg-working-sessions">TDWG Working Sessions</h1> <h2 id="19---22-february-2024">19 - 22 February, 2024</h2> <p>The TDWG Working Sessions give interest and task groups an opportunity to introduce their work to a wider audience and receive feedback on progress and future plans.</p> <p>The same Zoom “meeting” will be used for all sessions. Request the <strong><a href="mailto:track1@tdwg.org">Zoom login info via email</a></strong>.</p> <ul> <li>The following groups will be holding working sessions:</li> <li>Latimer Core (Collections Description Interest Group)</li> <li>Mineralogy Extension Task group</li> <li>Attribution Interest Group</li> <li>Access to Biological Collections Data (a maintenance group)</li> <li>Material Sample Task Group</li> <li>Audio Visual Core (a maintenance group)</li> <li>Taxonomic Concept Schema Maintenance Group</li> <li>Technical Architecture Group</li> <li>Minimum Information about a Digital Specimen</li> <li>Mapping between Standards</li> </ul> <p>Please see details below for meeting date-time and a short description of the group’s purpose.</p> <h2 id="mon-feb-19">Mon, Feb 19</h2> <h3 id="latimer-core-collections-description-interest-group"><a href="https://www.tdwg.org/community/cd/">Latimer Core (Collections Description Interest Group)</a></h3> <p>15:00 - 16:30 UTC <a href="https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=Latimer+Core%3A++2024+open+working+session&amp;iso=20240219T15&amp;p1=1440&amp;ah=1&amp;am=30">Translate to your timezone</a></p> <p>The Latimer Core (LtC) is a soon-to-be-ratified TDWG standard that supports describing collections above the item level. Authors of the standard will be on-hand to describe the standard and answer questions.</p> <p>Conveners: Sharon Grant, Janeen Jones, Kate Webink, Matt Woodburn</p> <h3 id="mineralogy-extension-task-group"><a href="https://www.tdwg.org/community/esp/mineralogy/">Mineralogy Extension Task Group</a></h3> <p>17:00 - 18:30 UTC <a href="https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=Mineralogy+Extension&amp;iso=20240219T17&amp;p1=1440&amp;ah=1&amp;am=30">Translate to your timezone</a></p> <p>This task group was established to extend the Darwin Core with terms that are relevant to Mineralogy, and thereby to enable an informatics infrastructure among mineral science collections similar to the one operating in biodiversity sciences.</p> <p>Conveners: Ben Norton, Rachel Wolcott</p> <h2 id="tue-feb-20">Tue, Feb 20</h2> <h3 id="attribution-interest-group"><a href="https://www.tdwg.org/community/attribution/">Attribution Interest Group</a></h3> <p>14:00 - 15:00 UTC <a href="https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=Attribution+IG&amp;iso=20240220T14&amp;p1=1440&amp;ah=1&amp;am=30">Translate to your timezone</a></p> <p>The purpose of Attribution Interest Group is to enhance existing standards for recording and publishing attribution for the maintenance, curation, and digitization of physical and digital objects, with a special emphasis on biodiversity collections.</p> <p>Conveners: Anne Thessen, Matt Woodburn</p> <h3 id="access-to-biological-collection-data-abcd"><a href="https://www.tdwg.org/community/abcd/">Access to Biological Collection Data (ABCD)</a></h3> <p>15:00 - 16:30 UTC <a href="https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=Access+to+Biological+Collection+Data+%28ABCD%29&amp;iso=20240220T15&amp;p1=1440&amp;ah=1&amp;am=30">Translate to your timezone</a></p> <p>The purpose of the ABCD Content Definition Group is to foster accessibility of existing and emerging biological collection data banks at the international level by developing and maintaining a comprehensive and commented schema for biological collection records (ABCD Schema)</p> <p>Conveners: Walter Berendsohn, Anton Güntsch, David Ficthmueller</p> <h3 id="material-sample-task-group"><a href="https://www.tdwg.org/community/osr/material-sample/">Material Sample Task Group</a></h3> <p>20:30 - 22:00 UTC <a href="https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=Material+Sample+Task+Group&amp;iso=20240220T2030&amp;p1=1440&amp;ah=1&amp;am=30">Translate to your timezone</a></p> <p>This task group recommended a number of changes to the Darwin Core to better represent how material samples of all kinds are represented in data records. Those changes have been incorporated into the Darwin Core so this session will be used to gather additional feedback and identify any work that still needs to be done.</p> <p>Convener: Teresa J. Mayfield</p> <h2 id="wed-feb-21">Wed, Feb 21</h2> <h3 id="audiovisual-core"><a href="https://www.tdwg.org/community/ac/">Audiovisual Core</a></h3> <p>17:00 - 18:30 UTC <a href="https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=Audio+Visual+Core&amp;iso=20240221T17&amp;p1=1440&amp;ah=1&amp;am=30">Translate to your timezone</a></p> <p>The Audiovisual Core maintenance group is responsible for maintaining the various components of the Audiovisual Core standard. That includes managing suggested changes to the vocabulary, providing usage guidelines and examples, and ensuring the preservation and stability of metadata related to components of the standard.</p> <p>Convener: Steve Baskauf</p> <h3 id="taxonomic-concept-schema-maintenance-group"><a href="https://www.tdwg.org/community/tnc/">Taxonomic Concept Schema Maintenance Group</a></h3> <p>20:30 - 22:00 UTC <a href="https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=Taxonomic+Concept+Schema&amp;iso=20240221T2030&amp;p1=1440&amp;ah=1&amp;am=30">Translate to your timezone</a></p> <p>This maintenance group is nearing completion of the next version of the Taxonomic Concept Schema, a critical specification for biodiversity informatics. An overview of the new schema will be provided and outstanding issues discussed.</p> <p>Convener: Niels Klazenga</p> <h2 id="thu-feb-22">Thu, Feb 22</h2> <h3 id="technical-architecture-group"><a href="https://www.tdwg.org/about/committees/tag/">Technical Architecture Group</a></h3> <p>13:00 - 14:30 UTC <a href="https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=Technical+Architecture+Group&amp;iso=20240222T13&amp;p1=1440&amp;ah=1&amp;am=30">Translate to your timezone</a></p> <p>The purpose of the Technical Architecture Group (TAG) is to guide ongoing development of the TDWG technical architecture and advise the Executive and membership on matters relating to the principles, strategies and practice for maintaining the common technical framework essential to TDWG’s mission to develop, adopt and promote standards and practice for the recording and exchange of biodiversity data.</p> <p>TAG Chair: Ben Norton</p> <h3 id="minimum-information-about-a-digital-specimen"><a href="https://www.tdwg.org/community/cd/mids/">Minimum Information about a Digital Specimen</a></h3> <p>15:00 - 16:30 UTC <a href="https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=Latimer+Core%3A++2024+open+working+session&amp;iso=20240220T15&amp;p1=1440&amp;ah=1&amp;am=30">Translate to your timezone</a></p> <p>This task group aims to create a TDWG standard that clarifies the levels (depth) of digitization [of or about a specimen] and the minimum information captured and published at each level. It will help to ensure that enough data are captured, curated and published against specific requirements so they are useful for the widest range of possible purposes; as well as making it easier to consistently measure the extent of digitization achieved over time and to set priorities for remaining work.</p> <p>Conveners: Elspeth Haston, Cat Chapman</p> <h3 id="mapping-between-standards">Mapping between Standards</h3> <p>17:00 - 18:30 UTC <a href="">Translate to your timezone</a></p> <p>[A soon to be established task group of the Technical Architecture Group.]<br /> The Standards Mapping Task Group will assess the current landscape of mappings for TDWG standards and review common ways of expressing mappings. It will recommend one or more of those ways to the TDWG Technical Architecture Group (TAG) to be adopted as the TDWG recommendation for expressing mappings. The group will support standard authors to express between-standard mappings so as to be easily found, read and understood by users.</p> <p>Conveners: David Fichtmueller, Holly Little</p></content><author><name></name></author><category term="standards" /><category term="working sessions" /><summary type="html">TDWG Working Sessions 19 - 22 February, 2024</summary></entry><entry><title type="html">Public review of the Latimer Core begins</title><link href="/news/2023/latimer-core-public-review/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Public review of the Latimer Core begins" /><published>2023-12-08T00:00:00+00:00</published><updated>2023-12-08T00:00:00+00:00</updated><id>/news/2023/latimer-core-public-review</id><content type="html" xml:base="/news/2023/latimer-core-public-review/"><p>The <a href="/about/executive/">TDWG Executive Committee</a> is pleased to announce that the Public Review of the Latimer Core (LtC) is now open. Named after <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marjorie_Courtenay-Latimer">Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer</a>, the Latimer Core is a product of the TDWG Interest Group on <a href="/community/cd/">Collection Descriptions</a> and supports the representation and discovery of natural science collections by structuring data about the groups of objects that those collections and their subcomponents contain. The classes and properties (collectively terms) have been designed to represent information that describes these groupings in enough detail to inform deeper discovery of the resources contained within them.</p> <p>The Latimer Core draft has been reviewed by independent experts, and the Executive Committee has accepted the recommendation that the draft now proceed to public review. In accordance with the TDWG ‘Process’, the public review period must be open for at least 30 days. Because the period will span holidays for many, the review will remain open until 19 January 2024 (extended from 12 Jan). </p> <p>An introduction to the standard with links to all its components can be found on the <a href="https://github.com/tdwg/ltc">landing page of the standard’s GitHub repository</a>. </p> <p>Please participate in the public review by posting a comment or question on the repository’s <a href="https://github.com/tdwg/ltc/discussions">discussion board</a>. Users who have trouble using the discussion board or who wish to remain anonymous should email their comments directly to the Review Manager, Ben Norton at michaelnorton.ben@gmail.com, who will post them on behalf of the commenter. If you wish to remain anonymous, please make that explicit in your email. The review manager will remove your name and any other identifying information before posting your comment on the discussion board. All comments will be public and archived following the public review. In addition to the discussion board, the review manager will host public forums over Zoom on the last two Thursdays of the review period. The forums will give everyone an opportunity to interact directly with the authors of the Latimer Core standard. Meeting details will be posted on the discussion board <a href="https://github.com/tdwg/ltc/discussions/categories/announcements">announcements page</a>.</p> <p>The Collection Descriptions Data Standard Task Group will endeavor to resolve all issues received by 19 January 2024, prior to requesting ratification by the Executive Committee. Issues identified after that date may be deferred and addressed under normal maintenance after the standard has been ratified.</p> <p>Please distribute this link (https://www.tdwg.org/news/2023/latimer-core-public-review/) to anyone you think could or should comment on the proposed Latimer Core standard.</p> <p>The TDWG Executive Committee congratulates all the <a href="https://github.com/tdwg/cd/blob/master/README.md#members">members of the Collections Descriptions Data Standard Task Group</a> who contributed to the development of this standard. The Committee also thanks the review manager, Ben Norton, and the expert reviewers, Robert Sanderson of the Yale Peabody Museum, and Ian Engelbrecht of Natural Science Collections Facility, South Africa. Ben deserves special thanks for his extraordinary efforts in managing the review of this very large and important proposed standard.</p> <p>For the TDWG Executive Committee,</p> <p>Stan Blum<br /> Administrator, TDWG Secretariat</p></content><author><name></name></author><category term="standards" /><category term="public review" /><category term="Latimer Core" /><summary type="html">The TDWG Executive Committee is pleased to announce that the Public Review of the Latimer Core (LtC) is now open. Named after Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer, the Latimer Core is a product of the TDWG Interest Group on Collection Descriptions and supports the representation and discovery of natural science collections by structuring data about the groups of objects that those collections and their subcomponents contain. The classes and properties (collectively terms) have been designed to represent information that describes these groupings in enough detail to inform deeper discovery of the resources contained within them.</summary></entry><entry><title type="html">Call for Executive Committee nominations (2024–2025)</title><link href="/news/2023/call-for-nominations/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="Call for Executive Committee nominations (2024–2025)" /><published>2023-10-06T00:00:00+00:00</published><updated>2023-10-06T00:00:00+00:00</updated><id>/news/2023/call-for-nominations</id><content type="html" xml:base="/news/2023/call-for-nominations/"><p>Nominations are open for positions on the <a href="/about/executive/">Executive Committee</a> for Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG). <strong>Nomination deadline is 10 November 2023.</strong></p> <p>The term for each role is 2 years, commencing on 1 January 2024.</p> <p>This is an opportunity to lead the future of biodiversity informatics and work with an enthusiastic team to improve the quality and interoperability of biodiversity data.</p> <p>Positions on the Executive are staggered two-year terms, such that no more than half of the committee will be new in any year. Towards the end of every calendar year, TDWG holds elections for terms that are expiring and need to be filled for the coming year. Officers elected this year will serve terms from 2024 through 2025. The open positions and their responsibilities are detailed below, followed by the schedule and procedures for nominations and the election.</p> <table> <thead> <tr> <th>Role</th> <th>Term</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>Treasurer</td> <td>2 years</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Chair of the Technical Architecture Group</td> <td>2 years</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Chair of the Functional Subcommittee for Fundraising and Partnerships</td> <td>2 years</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Chair of the Functional Subcommittee for Infrastructure</td> <td>2 years</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Chair of the Functional Subcommittee for Time and Place</td> <td>2 years</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Representative for Latin America</td> <td>2 years</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Representative for Oceania</td> <td>2 years</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>TDWG is an international organization that promotes the digitization, integration, and sharing of information about the world’s biodiversity. TDWG provides a forum where individuals, projects, and institutions who manage biodiversity data can come together to share expertise and promote interoperability by promulgating standards and best practices. TDWG also publishes the Biodiversity Information Science and Standards (BISS) journal where papers on issues related to information technology and biodiversity science can be published. You would be a member of the TDWG Executive Committee, which oversees the work of TDWG: coordinates TDWG Interest and Task Groups, manages the review and ratification of standards, manages the organization’s journal, and organizes the annual meeting. These responsibilities are set forth in the Constitution and detailed further in supplementary documents.</p> <p>Positions on the Executive are staggered two-year terms, such that no more than half of the committee will be new in any year. Towards the end of every calendar year, TDWG holds elections for terms that are expiring and need to be filled for the coming year. Officers elected this year will serve terms from 2023 through 2024. The open positions and their responsibilities are detailed below, followed by the schedule and procedures for nominations and the election.</p> <h2 id="general-responsibilities">General responsibilities</h2> <p>All officers, including Subcommittee Chairs, have voting rights on the Executive Committee, and are expected to participate in the committee’s conference calls, which are generally every two weeks. Executive Committee members are expected to find their own support to travel to attend the annual conference. Discounted registration to the conference may be offered.</p> <h2 id="offices-open-for-election">Offices open for election</h2> <h3 id="treasurer">Treasurer</h3> <p>The Treasurer of TDWG holds the post for two years, which can be extended into consecutive terms. They manage the finances of TDWG, including grants, conference expenses and memberships. They work closely with the Administrator of the TDWG Secretariat as well as the other managing officers (Chair, Deputy Chair and Secretary). They write an annual financial statement, which is usually presented during a business meeting at the TDWG conference.</p> <p>The Treasurer also has signing authority on TDWG bank accounts. As TDWG is incorporated in the USA, and the main bank account is with an American bank, the Treasurer would normally reside in the USA and hold a Social Security Number in the USA.</p> <h3 id="chair-of-the-technical-advisory-group">Chair of the Technical Advisory Group</h3> <p>The motivation, mission and responsibilities of the Technical Advisory Group are explained on the <a href="https://www.tdwg.org/about/committees/tag/">TAG page</a>. The Chair provides leadership and guidance on TDWG technical architecture and advises the Executive and membership on matters relating to the principles, strategies and practices for maintaining the common technical framework for TDWG standards.</p> <h3 id="chair-of-the-functional-subcommittee-for-fundraising-and-partnerships">Chair of the Functional Subcommittee for Fundraising and Partnerships</h3> <p>The motivation, mission and responsibilities of the Functional Subcommittee are explained on the <a href="https://www.tdwg.org/about/committees/fundraising/">Subcommittee’s page</a>. The Chair provides leadership on scientific and other fundraising as well as participation in partnerships for TDWG.</p> <h3 id="chair-of-the-functional-subcommittee-for-infrastructure">Chair of the Functional Subcommittee for Infrastructure</h3> <p>The purpose of the Infrastructure Functional Subcommittee is to maintain the software tools and resources required to support the operation of TDWG. The responsibilities and management of the Subcommittee are explained further on its <a href="https://www.tdwg.org/about/committees/infrastructure/">web page</a>.</p> <h3 id="chair-of-the-functional-subcommittee-for-time-and-place">Chair of the Functional Subcommittee for Time and Place</h3> <p>The motivation, mission and responsibilities of the Functional Subcommittee are explained on the <a href="https://www.tdwg.org/about/committees/tardis/">Subcommittee’s page</a>. The Chair provides leadership to develop a rolling plan for TDWG Conferences and other meetings.</p> <h3 id="regional-representatives-latin-america-and-oceania">Regional Representatives: Latin America and Oceania</h3> <p>Regional Representatives give voice to the members, institutions, and projects in their region, and collectively provide a global perspective to the Executive Committee. As members of the Executive Committee, Regional Representatives have responsibility for the oversight of TDWG and the authority to approve/decline strategic initiatives, budgets, and all aspects of operations and activities. The Executive Committee also approves or declines the formation of Interest and Task Groups, as well as the ratification of standards and best practice specifications produced by Interest and Task Groups.</p> <h2 id="nomination-procedure">Nomination procedure</h2> <p>To nominate someone for one of the positions above, first confirm that the nominee is willing to accept the responsibilities of the office. Then work with the nominee to send a brief statement of the nominee’s background and vision (maximum 400 words) to the TDWG Secretary (<a href="mailto:secretary@tdwg.org">secretary@tdwg.org</a>). Self nominations are accepted. All nominations must be complete and received by <strong>10 November 2023</strong>.</p> <h2 id="election-procedure">Election procedure</h2> <p>The TDWG secretariat will post nominees’ statements to the TDWG website and distribute ballots to all institutional and individual members in good standing. In the case of institutional members, we will notify the primary and secondary contacts, but only one ballot response will be accepted. If you are uncertain about your membership status, please inquire with the TDWG Treasurer (<a href="mailto:treasurer@tdwg.org">treasurer@tdwg.org</a>). Institutional ballots will be weighted as five individual ballots.</p> <h2 id="deadline">Deadline</h2> <p><strong>Nominations due by 10 November 2023</strong> Ballots will be distributed by email shortly thereafter. The balloting period will be at least 30 days from the date of distribution. Exact date-times will be announced via TDWG announcements and posted here.</p></content><author><name></name></author><category term="elections" /><summary type="html">Nominations are open for positions on the Executive Committee for Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG). Nomination deadline is 10 November 2023.</summary></entry><entry><title type="html">New this year!</title><link href="/news/2023/students-competition/" rel="alternate" type="text/html" title="New this year!" /><published>2023-09-28T00:00:00+00:00</published><updated>2023-09-28T00:00:00+00:00</updated><id>/news/2023/students-competition</id><content type="html" xml:base="/news/2023/students-competition/"><p>The conference is coming soon and we are very excited to announce that we are organizing a competition for students at this year’s conference. Invaluable prize will be awarded for the best oral presentation. Don’t forget to check the dedicated <a href="https://tdwg2023.zohobackstage.com.au/TDWG2023#/presentationinfo?lang=en">page</a> for more information. We are looking forward to being dazzled by the super student performances and hearing more about your research!</p></content><author><name></name></author><summary type="html">The conference is coming soon and we are very excited to announce that we are organizing a competition for students at this year’s conference. Invaluable prize will be awarded for the best oral presentation. Don’t forget to check the dedicated page for more information. We are looking forward to being dazzled by the super student performances and hearing more about your research!</summary></entry></feed>