The Center for Tree Science (CTS) at The Morton Arboretum is a hub for independent and innovative research centered on trees and the role they play in globally diverse environments. In September 2020, we were awarded a Design grant from the National Science Foundation to develop a Full Implementation proposal for a tree-focused Biology Integration Institute (BII) to be submitted in January 2022. To broaden our network and facilitate new collaborations and transformative research, we have assembled a team of potential collaborators for a workshop to design a Biology Integration Institute focused on the theme of Terrestrial Responses to Emerging Environments through Time, Integrated from Moments to Eons (TREETIME).
Vision: Improve the resilience of our green planet by investigating patterns and mechanisms of temporal change
Mission: Use time and phenology as an integrative lens to understand and predict biological processes and events in plant systems across the spectrum of natural to built environments.
About the BII Program
Institutes must include diverse investigative teams at all levels of leadership; include a robust and integrated education and training component with inherent dedication to broadening participation; and with public access and timely release of project outputs. As of April 2021, researchers from CTS are forming an interdisciplinary, collaborative team of scientists to co-generate research questions and activities, including education and outreach opportunities, that will be supported through a 5-year, $12.5 million grant, that has potential of extension for an additional 5 years. Awards are made as a cooperative agreement with the lead organization and with collaborators funded through subawards, contracts, and participant support.