International Society for Phylogenetic Nomenclature (ISPN)

[Nico Cellinese]

The International Society for Phylogenetic Nomenclature (ISPN) is a newly formed organization the
purpose of which is to encourage and facilitate the development, codification, and utilization of
phylogenetic nomenclature.  Phylogenetic nomenclature is, in short, the theory and practice of
naming groups of organisms and applying existing names to such groups in the context of newly
proposed phylogenetic hypotheses using principles and methods derived from the fundamental
principle of common descent.  The ISPN (in particular, its Committee on Phylogenetic
Nomenclature) will be responsible for ratifying and overseeing future changes in the PhyloCode, a
codified set of principles and rules of phylogenetic nomenclature.  The ISPN was inaugurated and
met for the first time in July 2004 in Paris, France.  The Society is open to all persons interested in
phylogenetic nomenclature and is now accepting members.  A membership form can be
downloaded from the PhyloCode/ISPN website at http://www.ohiou.edu/phylocode/ or http://
www.phylocode.org/ (see the link at the bottom of the gray bar on the left-hand side of the home
page).  The Council of the ISPN would like to encourage all interested persons to join the Society.

Kevin de Queiroz
President, ISPN