ABSTRACT
Implementation of the Sustainable Biosphere Initiative will require a significant increase in interdisciplinary interactions and unprecedented data management challenges and opportunities. Major challenges presented by issues such as global change, biodiversity and sustainability will be met only if disciplines in the physical, biological, social and economic sciences become more integrated as well as develop strong associations with policy and management efforts. In addition to massive changes in federal research programmes, the university-based research community will become more critical to the national effort, providing that community can make significant changes in the management of research data and demonstrate an increased willingness to share these data with the scientific community. Technological advances and cultural changes are needed.
