Taxonomy

Taxonomy is the practice and science of classification, particularly that of living organisms. With the emergence of molecular biology, taxonomy faded somewhat into the background. However, the growing interest in maintaining biodiversity has resulted in a resurgence. The Rathenau Institute is currently working on a bibliometric review of developments in research into biodiversity and taxonomy. In addition to identifying recent developments in the field, the review will show how taxonomic knowledge is being used both within and beyond the realms of pure science, and by whom.

This project is being conducted in partnership with the European Distributed Institute of Taxonomy (EDIT), an international network of researchers in the field.

This project is executed in cooperation with Peter van de Besselaar, Professor at the VU University Amsterdam.