Why we need TERN

A wealth of information about Australian ecosystems already exists within university, industry, non-government organisations and government departments, but unless other researchers are aware of and have access to this information its true value is not always realised.

The funding that supports collection of this information is often short-term and not sustained. In contrast, it sometimes takes decades for the impacts of changes in climate or landscape management practices to become obvious. Secure, long-term funding of monitoring programs is necessary to be able to measure and quantify ecosystem change over short and long periods.

As a ‘virtual’ organisation TERN enables the integration and sharing of information and knowledge through a number of science facilities established and/or operated to meet the strategic objectives of collecting, storing and distributing data; using data at different scales and for different purposes; and integrating data into knowledge and management.

TERN’s objective is to establish a framework that promotes scientific interaction and planning for a long-term, ecosystem observation network.

If you are in Adelaide on Tuesday 27 March, you might be interested in attending The ACEAS Great Debate as a prelude to the TERN Symposium.

Registration to the 3rd TERN Annual National Symposium is now open. Program and registration information are on the symposium webpage.

TERN's AusCover Facility is holding a Data Users Workshop in Brisbane on 8 March. Visit the web page for links to the program and information on how to register.

TERN's AusPlots Sub-Facility is holding a Field Method Training workshop at the Renmark and Calperum Station Supersite in South Australia, 4-9 March. Limited places available, so get in quick!

In our December newsletter the TERN Director summarises — and celebrates — the huge effort that has gone into creating the TERN network so far. We introduce you to the complex world of the Australian Supersite Network. At workshops in Adelaide and Perth, TERN facilities work with various collaborators; we invite you to get involved in TERN; and there's some wild talk. You'll have to read the newsletter to find out more.

New research supersite will tell woodlands climate story (media release)

What would it take to get you to share (both deposit and use) data in TERN facility portals? If this question interests you join our discussion on LinkedIn.