New Insect Systematics Position

[r.flowers]

On 11/23/05 12:38 PM, "John Pinto" <jpinto at UCR.EDU> wrote:

> At long last... a new position in insect systematics (thanks due in
> large part from the NSF funding initiatives through PEET and TOL).
> For a copy of the job announcment (at U.C. Riverside)

While it's good to see any taxonomic position opening, and I wish Dr. Pinto
and the candidate every success, I don't see that this is a very impressive
advertisement for PEET or TOL.  This is an example of the rather generic
"taxonomy + whatever" position that has been available in small numbers all
along.
NSF programs like PEET, TOL, and BS&I have been heavily promoted as the
solution to the taxonomic impediment.  However, after almost 10 years there
is little evidence that they have made a significant difference either in
the production of taxonomic products or in improving the employment outlook
for taxonomists.

Wills Flowers
Center for Biological Control
Florida A&M Univ.