Ecoinformatics: where are we, where do we want to go, and how to reach there.

Abstract

Compared to other natural sciences ecological sciences has always been about seeing the bigger picture. The realization that local actions can have global impact has been the hallmark of ecological research. This integrative view is getting more and more accepted now with the recognition that whole is definitely more then sum of its parts. Advancement in computer sciences has now made it possible to comprehend the complexity arising from an integrative approach. This has given rise to a field interfacing computer science and ecological sciences called Ecoinformatics. The other popular parallel and more mature field is bioinformatics or computational biology. The presentation will take the audience on an Ecoinformatics tour touching on present status of Ecoinformatics tools and applications, a futuristic account of where Ecoinformatics is heading, and the pragmatic step by step method to transform future into reality; applying insights from lessons learnt from a more mature interface science 'Bioinformatics'. Audience will be introduced to Ecoinformatics projects namely Kepler, Vegbank, Jalama, Knowledge network for biocomplexity (KNB), Science Environment for Ecological Knowledge (SEEK). The presentation will also explore the importance of Ecoinformatics for the icons and upstarts in ecology.