The History of Reef Futures

Generating knowledge has always been the focus of scientists yet dissemination of research results has proved difficult and inadequate. With the rapid increase in technology comes the opportunity to provide increased tools for exploration of scientific endeavours. In 1999, coral ecologist Dr Terry Done established the Reef Futures program within CRC Reef. AIMS was contracted to implement this program with a view to consolidating research effort through facilitating synthesis, communication and exchange.

In 2001 biostatistician Dr Glenn De’ath was appointed, followed shortly by Spatial Analyst Dr Scott Wooldridge and GIS specialist Mr Stuart Kininmonth from CSIRO. Spatial Data Designer Mr Steven Edgar was employed in 2002 to develop the spatial warehouse. Web Developer Mr Tim Donovan was commandeered part time from CRC Reef to assist with the Reef Futures website.

In 2003, Dr Britta Schaffelke and Dr Louise Goggin became part of the team to ensure the professional exchange of scientific knowledge to the community. The program now involves knowledge generation, codification and transfer activities using a sophisticated array of technologies. More about the design of the knowledge management system is described in a paper by Kininmonth, Donovan and Edgar (2003).