Develop integrated electronic databases that include habitat, geographic, phenotypic, genotypic, morphological, and accession information. Involve researchers from other fields , especially computer science, optics, electronics, device engineering, chemistry, remote sensing, and macrobial ecologists and systematists. Centralized efforts are recommended where specialized facilities are needed, routine measurements are made, and for database and archival activities. Expand the training of new scientists knowledgeable in modern microbial diversity, physiology, and taxonomy. Enhance the public's awareness of the vital role microbial diversity plays in their lives and the frontier this field offers.
Microbial diversity is a key frontier.
It is the largest untapped resource for both understanding how biological systems function as well as for new biotechnologies. Advances in the molecular, chemical, optical, computer and information sciences has now made the exploration of this frontier practical. A coordinated effort by an international community of interested scientists over 10 years should make a new level of understanding possible. CME is interested in any comments you may have about the contents of this report. Return to the beginning of the report.