Organizing and Maintaining a Taxonomic Expert Network: Lessons from the Caryophyllales TEN

The Caryophyllales TEN is one of the Taxonomic Expert Networks for World Flora Online (WFO, worldfloraonline.org). It was initiated in 2011 with aim to create a global taxonomic synthesys angiosperm order (about 6% species). network currently includes about 170 scientists from 36 countries. first priority creating dynamic backbone using EDIT Platform Cybertaxonomy (cybertaxonomy.org). One key product an online portal (caryophyllales.org) that serves as single entry point expert-reviewed information. Data Portal software components (see list reference projects further examples). entry, imports and editing managed by Editor component. Web services data exchange via standardized formats will be used connect international biodiversity informatics initiatives such Global Biodiversity Information Facility International Plant Name Index. are available format open exchange. Completed checklist accompanying papers so far consist genus-level whole (Hernández-Ledesma et al. 2015) species-level treatments Nepenthaceae (Berendsohn 2018), Cactaceae (Korotkova 2021) Dianthus, Caryophyllaceae (Fassou 2022). entire Caryophyllaceae, Plumbaginaceae Amaranthaceae under revision, Aizoaceae most smaller families have been revised based on literature. These all aimed existing specialists respective produce checklists reflect current state research given group, where possible phylogenetic studies. coordinated scientist at Botanic Garden Berlin but otherwise has no explicit governance or committees. experiences aforementioned allow some general insights organizing maintaining expert network. Whereas scientific usually relatively loose connection between collaborators varying levels commitment over time, strong works towards specific needs firmer structure. According our experience, five aspects important. 1. Clarity. A clearly defined framework which can include written summary rationale main underlying principles, detailed editorial guidelines contributors, best-practice recommendations, clear outline different roles experts project, requirements authorship resulting publications. 2. Flexibility. should way it still allows flexible approaches individual account researchers. 3. Community aspect. Bringing together regularly through in-person conferences virtual meetings essential keep going. Participation everyone who interested, regardless career level there lowthreshold “entry points”. participation conference, being invited contribute seeking out other collaboration. Already active engage people network, thus large community. 4. Credits. Our policy each source referenced contribution acknowledged paper portal. This aims increasing visibility results developing within 5. Incentives commitment. People participate networks because they personal interest invest their time energy project valuable them aligns own goals. need committed therefore, must incentives, example part widely known highly visible initiative co-authoring paper.