The Department of Zoology at M S University (MSU) would welcome common people in their laboratories at a national workshop on taxonomy. The two-day meet on ‘Capacity Building for Taxonomic Research: Challenges and Ways Forward’ will be held on November 18-19.

The department is organising such a specialised workshop on taxonomy for the first time. Over 40 delegates will focus on eight species of invertebrates including marine planktons, crabs, corals, termites, beetles, butterflies, ants and spiders.

The seminar would not only include research students and teachers, but will also include school teachers, NGOs and freelancers.

“An ant is an ant for the common man, but the classification is different for a science student. The knowledge on taxonomy is restricted at the school level as well. We are inviting biology teachers that would help the students as well,” said Dolly Kumar, convenor of the seminar.

She added: “We are also keeping it open for people interested in the subject, like NGOs working on insects or photographers keen on insect photography. They already know the subject, but the taxonomy of the species will help them gain a better focus. We are including a special scheme of presentation for the non-academic candidates.”