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What is Planet Diatom’s mission?

Our mission is to make diatom science equitable, collaborative, and sustainable by providing reliable, image based taxonomic information and connecting a global community of scientists, students, and the public. Through shared knowledge and digital innovation, we empower people to explore, identify, and understand the diversity of diatoms and their essential role in aquatic environments and ecosystems.

Why should I donate to Planet Diatom?

Substantial portions of diatom diversity and ecological function remain undocumented. Taxonomic research, species descriptions, and the maintenance of high-quality identification resources are chronically underfunded, and governmental agencies generally do not prioritize support for taxonomy or foundational ecological work. This lack of stable funding has led to significant gaps in scientific knowledge, limited training opportunities, and insufficient infrastructure for managing diatom biodiversity data.

Planet Diatom was established to address these unmet needs. The organization’s purpose is to raise, manage, and distribute financial support for activities that advance diatom taxonomy, ecology, and biodiversity documentation, including the ongoing development and maintenance of the Diatoms.org project.

How can I be more involved in Diatoms.org activities?

There are many ways to join the international community. Check the Practitioner page for taxonomic updates and technical information, login to our Diatom Web Academy online series (and YouTube channel recordings), become a certified taxonomist through the Society for Freshwater Science Diatom Taxonomic Certification program, and follow our News page for opportunities for courses, funding, algae related conferences, and reports of recent publications.

How will my donation be used?

Your donation will support taxonomic research, species descriptions, and ecological characterizations needed to create taxon pages. Among other goals, we aim to develop 2,000 new genus and species pages for marine and freshwater diatoms in the next 5 years.

Is your online donation form secure?

All transactions made through Planet Diatom’s online donation forms are 100% secure and encrypted by SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption technology.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes, your donation is tax-deductible in the United States, to the full extent allowable by law. You will receive a receipt documenting your contribution as tax-deductible.