Who is ultimately responsible for constructing the Encyclopedia of Life?
The Encyclopedia of Life is a collaborative effort. Ultimately, tens of thousands of people with expertise around the world and their predecessors are responsible. In terms of practical accountability, efforts are currently being headed by a Steering Committee of senior individuals from Harvard University, Smithsonian Institution, Field Museum, Marine Biological Laboratory, Biodiversity Heritage Library consortium, Missouri Botanical Garden, and the MacArthur and Sloan Foundations. Numerous organizations have already contributed to the conceptualization and development of the Encyclopedia. In addition, two advisory groups are helping to devise the project. The Institutional Council contains more than 25 institutions from around the world; it provides a global perspective and outreach to EOL. The Distinguished Advisory Board consists of 13 global leaders from the scientific and policy communities.
