Using the GRID for biodiversity research: the GRAB demonstrator

In the GRAB (Grid and Biodiversity) project we are developing a prototype to illustrate some aspects of the GRID´s potential for collaborative biodiversity research. A catalogue of life, two species information systems (SISs) and a climate database are made available in a problem solving environment that demonstrates how bioclimatic modelling can be performed by bringing together such resources. We use Globus to provide access to these resources, in a secure environment. We also discuss more generally the GRID´s potential for biodiversity research, and identify the main areas of development within the GRID that are needed to support such research.