41 min listen
Ep 81. Harry potter, taxonomy and academic publishing with Tom Saunders
FromIn Situ Science
ratings:
Length:
36 minutes
Released:
Aug 4, 2019
Format:
Podcast episode
Description
SPECIAL GUEST: Tom Saunders (U of Auckland)
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Tom Saunders experienced a burst of scientific fame after naming a newfound species of wasp Lusius malfoyi, after the beloved and maligned Harry Potter character Lucius Malfoy. Naming new species after pop culture figures has become a useful tool for enhancing public awareness taxonomy and biodiversity research. Taking this strategy though has to be handled delicately as paying homage to beloved fictional characters can upset both traditional taxonomists and hardcore pop-culture fans.
Tom Saunders studies the biology of agricultural pests and biocontrol agents at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. In this interview we talk about the importance of fundamental biological research for enhancing applied agricultural research. We also chat about the strange beast that is the academic publishing system and how it needs to be improved into the future.
Follow Tom on Twitter @TomSaundersNZ and visit his research website here.
Find out more at www.insituscience.com
Follow us on Twitter @insituscience
Follow us on Instagram
Like us on Facebook
Music: ‘Strange Stuff’ by Sonic Wallpaper - www.sonicwallpaper.bandcamp.com
Support In Situ Science on Patreon
Tom Saunders experienced a burst of scientific fame after naming a newfound species of wasp Lusius malfoyi, after the beloved and maligned Harry Potter character Lucius Malfoy. Naming new species after pop culture figures has become a useful tool for enhancing public awareness taxonomy and biodiversity research. Taking this strategy though has to be handled delicately as paying homage to beloved fictional characters can upset both traditional taxonomists and hardcore pop-culture fans.
Tom Saunders studies the biology of agricultural pests and biocontrol agents at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. In this interview we talk about the importance of fundamental biological research for enhancing applied agricultural research. We also chat about the strange beast that is the academic publishing system and how it needs to be improved into the future.
Follow Tom on Twitter @TomSaundersNZ and visit his research website here.
Find out more at www.insituscience.com
Follow us on Twitter @insituscience
Follow us on Instagram
Like us on Facebook
Music: ‘Strange Stuff’ by Sonic Wallpaper - www.sonicwallpaper.bandcamp.com
Released:
Aug 4, 2019
Format:
Podcast episode
Titles in the series (69)
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