Patiño J., I. Bisang, B. Goffinet, L. Hedenäs, S. McDaniel, S. Pressler, M. Stech, C. Ah-Peng, A. Bergamini, R.T. Caners, C. Cargill, N. Cronberg, J. Duckett, S. Eppley, N. Fenton, K. Fisher, J. M. González-Mancebo, M. Hasebe, J. Heinrichs†, K. Hylander, M.S. Ignatov, J. Martínez-Abaigar, N. Medina, R. Medina, D. Quandt, S. Rensing, K. Renzaglia, M. Renner, R. M. Ros, A. Schäfer-Verwimp, J. Carlos Villarreal & A. Vanderpoorten. 2022. Unveiling the nature of a miniature world: A horizon scan of fundamental questions in bryology. Journal of Bryology 41: 1–34. pdf
Abstract reads: INTRODUCTION Half a century since the creation of the International Association of Bryologists, we carried out a review to identify outstanding challenges and future perspectives in bryology. Specifically, we have identified 50 fundamental questions that are critical in advancing the discipline.
METHODS We have adapted a deep-rooted methodology of horizon scanning to identify key research foci. An initial pool of 258 questions was prepared by a multidisciplinary and international working group of 32 bryologists. A series of online surveys completed by a broader community of researchers in bryology, followed by quality-control steps implemented by the working group, were used to create a list of top-priority questions. This final list was restricted to 50 questions with a broad conceptual scope and answerable through realistic research approaches.
KEY RESULTS The top list of 50 fundamental questions was organised into four general topics: Bryophyte Biodiversity and Biogeography; Bryophyte Ecology, Physiology and Reproductive Biology; Bryophyte Conservation and Management; and Bryophyte Evolution and Systematics. These topics included 9, 19, 14 and 8 questions, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS Although many of the research challenges identified are not newly conceived, our horizon-scanning exercise has established a significant foundation for future bryological research. We suggest analytical and conceptual strategies and novel developments for potential use in advancing the research agenda for bryology.