National Science Foundation Research Coordination Network: Integrating Ecology and Endocrinology in Avian Reproduction (E-BIRD-USA)

The NSF Research Coordination Network coordinates the research activities of ecologists and endocrinologists on a specific theme reproduction in birds covering the full spectrum from field ecology to molecular mechanisms. Avian reproduction provides an ideal focus because of its extensive existing literature on topics ranging from genes to ecosystems. The network will also facilitate the evolution of a truly integrative, biology curriculum at the K12, undergraduate and graduate levels, including conservation biology.

The European Science Foundation (ESF) has funded E-BIRD, a similar network, and the Canadian NSERC has funded E-Bird Canada north of the border as well. All three networks will be working together closely, and all meetings will be jointly held.

Network activities include:

• Developing a framework whereby organismal biologists can communicate effectively with cell/molecular biologists (endocrinology) and bridge a conceptual rift that has been widening for several decades. This work has direct application to programs integrating organisms and molecules throughout biological sciences.



• Workshops aimed at developing ecologically based studies at physiological, cell and molecular levels, followed by



• Laboratory exchange visits involving faculty and students.



• Technical meetings to identify mechanisms that can be brought to bear on novel investigations including those with conservation emphasis.



• Listserv to promote communication and information sharing among project participants and interested others.



• Web site to promote this new framework as well as collect databases (such as a joint bibliography) that can be used for research analysis and education. Links to this web site will be made with other national and international groups so that network resources will be available to all of the scientific community, K-12 schools and the public at large.



• Identification and encouragement of faculty and student participants that represent our diverse professional community.