During the past few years the scientific benefits of computerized databases have become increasingly clear. Most palynologists are familiar with the interesting developments that have come as part of the COHMAP project in North America, where data have been collected at Brown University. Pollen data from Europe constitute an equally valuable scientific resource for Quaternary palynologists in connection with IGBP Global Change initiatives during the next few years.
In anticipation of the need for accumulated data, a small group of colleagues (George L. Jacobson, Maine, USA; Bjorn E. Berglund, Lund, Sweden; Brian Huntley, Durham, UK; Joel Guiot, Marseille, France; Eric C. Grimm, Illinois State Museum, USA) has initiated a process designed to establish a European repository for Quaternary pollen data. This initiative is an outgrowth of independent plans by IGCP Project 158B and European Community researchers to organize data from Europe. Coordinated efforts are important because the EC project will have access to data mostly from western and southern Europe, whereas the IGCP group is concerned with northern and central Europe, along with the eastern-block nations.
This planning effort must, of course, involve a large number of palynologists from throughout the continent. Accordingly, organizers have arranged for a workshop that will provide a forum for reaching a collective agreement on the many issues surrounding such a database. The workshop is scheduled for Lund, Sweden, 24-27 August 1989, and will have as participants colleagues from as many European nations as possible.
Financial support for the workshop has been requested from the Swedish Natural Sciences Research Council, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, the European Community, and the U.S. National Science Foundation. Although responses are not yet forthcoming, it is hoped that a portion of the travel costs and expenses of workshop participants will be covered.
The success of the database depends in large part on the goodwill and support of colleagues from throughout Europe. Input from all interested colleagues is earnestly requested. Plans resulting from the workshop will be widely circulated among colleagues for additional suggestions and support. Specialized "user friendly" computer software for handling pollen data will also be distributed to all active laboratories.
For more information contact:
George L. Jacobson, Jr.
Institute for Quaternary Studies
Boardman Hall
University of Maine
Orono, ME 04469, USA