Proceedings of the FORUM HERBULOT 2001 Neotropical Geometridae: Approaches to a Modern Concept of the Geometrid System on Genus and Tribe Level (8.3.-9.3.2001) Axel Hausmann & Robert Trusch (ed.) Hausmann, A. & R. Trusch (ed.) (2001): Proceedings of the Forum Herbulot 2001; Neotropical Geometridae: Approaches to a Modern Concept of the Geo-metrid System on Genus and Tribe Level (8.3.-9.3.2001). -Spixiana 24/3: 193-202 The objectives, a list of parücipants and a short report on the results of the Forum Herbulot 2001 is presented emphasizing the great impact that this meeting had for coordinated, modern research in Geometridology and for creating a worldwide, IT-based network of scientists working on Geometridae. The abstracts of nine lectures from the seminary Session of the Forum Herbulot are added. Axel Hausmann, Zoologische Staatssammlung München, Münchhausenstr. 21, D-81247 München, Germany. E-mail:
[email protected] Robert Trusch, Zoologische Staatssammlung München, Münchhausenstr. 21, D-81247 München, Germany. E-mail:
[email protected] Objectives Research on zoological systematics at the ZSM and its focus on Geometridae: towards a worldwide network of Geometrid researchers (from the 'introduction', shortened). Axel Hausmann, ZSM Claude Herbulot (Paris) has been known as the author of an amazing number of publications contrib-uting valuably to the knowledge of taxonomy and systematics of the Geometridae of the world. His famous collection is now housed in the ZSM. The fine collection as well as the productive enthusiasm of Claude Herbulot is a strong incentive for the pursuit of effective scientific work on Geometridae in the ZSM as regards the systematic order, taxonomical questions, biogeography and evolution, but also the use of IT in research and collection management. The FORUM HERBULOT shall focus on problems that can only, or better, or quicker, be solved by the personal co-operation of the leading specialists of our days. FORUM HERBULOT is therefore not meant to be just another congress but shall offer an opportunity for Geometridae-specialists to archieve tangible results that enhance top level progress in the field of Geometridology. The ZSM houses one of the largest Lepidoptera coUections in the world. Many years ago, such museums ceased to be part of 'Royal Natural Curiosity Cabinets', or coUections for their own sake that can be mockingly considered as 'Zoological Registration Offices' (Autrum), but have become indis-pensable partners in research into biodiversity, biogeography, evolution and systematics. In system-atics (with correlating taxonomy) research is almost exclusively left to the museums; in German universities at least there are now very few professorships in systematic zoology. Our responsibility for systematic research is a great challenge. Most museums -as a result of having far too few personnel -are confronted with serious problems with the arrangement and curation of the collection (collection management) and with making the collection accessible by modern 193
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