Mission Statement
We seek to advance understanding of the causes and consequences of changes in plant biodiversity across scales in a rapidly changing world. We use light spectra as a common data type across scales. In pursuing this scientific mission, we endeavor to train the next generation of diverse integrative biologists and engage K-12 audiences about the nature and consequences of Earth’s biodiversity. We view ‘biodiversity’ as a concept that encompasses the variation in functional and evolutionary components within and among biological scales. As such, we aim to advance understanding of biodiversity—in a transparent, ethical and inclusive manner—at scales ranging from genomes to individuals and the tree of life as well as from communities to ecosystems and the global biosphere.
Vision Statement
We envision a future in which we:
can decipher changes in biodiversity at all scales of life, understand the causal mechanisms of change and the consequences for species, communities, ecosystems and the globe
bring these advances to the public through engagement with local communities and global partners
share knowledge broadly with the goal of maintaining a habitable planet and a sustainable future for humanity
Core Values
Seven core values unite our team and guide our work in ASCEND:
We are committed to focusing on science that both advances the frontiers of knowledge in fundamental ways and addresses issues of critical urgency to sustaining people and the planet.
Promoting synergism and bridging across viewpoints, disciplines and scales. We aim to transform our understanding of life’s diversity by bringing together a range of perspectives, methods and approaches and connecting them synergistically to understand plant diversity across scales.
Embracing teamwork and diversity. We will work towards harnessing the potential, creativity and skill of a diverse group of scientists across career stages, ethnicities and backgrounds and to do so inclusively where what we achieve together is greater than the sum of its parts.
Commitment to ethical science, mentoring and engagement. We are committed to advancing our scientific goals fairly and inclusively, mentoring with a focus on the growth and development of human potential, and engaging ethically with community partners in a manner that promotes exchange, co-generation of goals, co-creation of knowledge and mutual support.
Measuring what matters. We embrace the challenge of accounting for complex outcomes – and redefining the metrics of success.
Transparency in process and outcomes. We value transparency in process, interactions and outcomes and will continually work to ensure open access and open entry into all products generated from our scientific work, including data repositories, associated code, publications, and engagement.