jun 2007
Patience is a virtue
28-06-2007 08:52
Being dependence on the
co-operation of others is a burden. That sprang to
mind when I discussed the progress (none) in my
phylogenetic work with a collegue at Naturalis. It's
frustrating, but what can one do about it, when there
are no facilities at hand? The virtue of having
patience is certainly appilcable here, but I don't
like the role of lame duck. I know it's a matter of
priorities (also on my side), but let's see what new
opportunities for progress the WCM next month might
offer.
Meanwhile, I'm making progress on the Venezuelan Plekocheilus. Started to describe a new species from the southern part of the country. Unfortunately, there is only one (adult) specimen. As it originates from one of the tepuis, it will be difficult to collect additional ones. I should contact Valentí Rull to hear about the procedures for collecting in that area. Perhaps there is a way to do some field work...perhaps.... Hmm, tantalizing idea....
Meanwhile, I'm making progress on the Venezuelan Plekocheilus. Started to describe a new species from the southern part of the country. Unfortunately, there is only one (adult) specimen. As it originates from one of the tepuis, it will be difficult to collect additional ones. I should contact Valentí Rull to hear about the procedures for collecting in that area. Perhaps there is a way to do some field work...perhaps.... Hmm, tantalizing idea....
The globalization of malacology
16-06-2007 15:50
The world is flat, we
all know. But usually we think of it in economical
interrelations between countries. Besides that one
can think about the effects of globalization in terms
of sustainability, if one takes a broader stand. But
frankly, until recently I hadn't thought of it from a
malacological viewpoint.
As I have pointed out earlier during my NMV presentation, I try to set up relevant co-operations with like-minded malacologists and have located a few in Latin America amongst others. However, two recent stories made me realize once again how dependent this is on circumstances. And how these circumstances can influence the fate of co-operation.
The first story came from Brazil, where a well-known malacologist was dismissed for whatever reason, though he was nearing the age of retirement. That being sad enough, the consequence is that biologists working in his group were also out of their jobs from one day to the other. As a result, one of them - who was interested in doing her Ph.D. research on Orthalicoidea - had to quit her research subject at once and find a new job. Sad enough, this ends a promising co-operation, although we remain in touch.
Secondly, this week I had a Skype call with a Colombian malacologist with whom I set up an interesting project on Plekocheilus. Let us remain optimistic about the question whether her biology degree equals a M.Sc. or not. But as a side note she said that University was closed already for some time and that everybody was forced into holidays by the government. The most shocking thing I learned, however, was that an appointment only lasts for 3 months; after that a renewal costs a lot of bureaucratic hasles.
The lessons I draw from this is a) setting up a co-operation needs a deep understanding of the local circumstances of your partner, plus a high frustration toleration on both sides; b) NUFFIC would be wise to revise the condition of job permanency for her grant programmes, as this condition can be met by the very, very happy few only.
As I have pointed out earlier during my NMV presentation, I try to set up relevant co-operations with like-minded malacologists and have located a few in Latin America amongst others. However, two recent stories made me realize once again how dependent this is on circumstances. And how these circumstances can influence the fate of co-operation.
The first story came from Brazil, where a well-known malacologist was dismissed for whatever reason, though he was nearing the age of retirement. That being sad enough, the consequence is that biologists working in his group were also out of their jobs from one day to the other. As a result, one of them - who was interested in doing her Ph.D. research on Orthalicoidea - had to quit her research subject at once and find a new job. Sad enough, this ends a promising co-operation, although we remain in touch.
Secondly, this week I had a Skype call with a Colombian malacologist with whom I set up an interesting project on Plekocheilus. Let us remain optimistic about the question whether her biology degree equals a M.Sc. or not. But as a side note she said that University was closed already for some time and that everybody was forced into holidays by the government. The most shocking thing I learned, however, was that an appointment only lasts for 3 months; after that a renewal costs a lot of bureaucratic hasles.
The lessons I draw from this is a) setting up a co-operation needs a deep understanding of the local circumstances of your partner, plus a high frustration toleration on both sides; b) NUFFIC would be wise to revise the condition of job permanency for her grant programmes, as this condition can be met by the very, very happy few only.