Emily L. Sandall, Aurore Maureaud , Robert Guralnick, Melodie A. McGeoch, Yanina V. Sica, Matthew Rogan, Douglas B. Booher, Robert Edwards, Nico Franz, Kate Ingenloff, Maisha Lucas, Charles J. Marsh, Jennifer McGowan, Stefan Pinkert, Ajay Ranipeta, Peter Uetz, John Wieczorek, Walter Jetz

All aspects of biodiversity research, from taxonomy to conservation, rely on data associated with species names. Effective integration of names across multiple fields is paramount and depends on coordination and organization of taxonomic data. We assess current efforts and find that even key applications for well-studied taxa still lack commonality in taxonomic information required for integration. We identify essential taxonomic elements from our interoperability assessment to support improved access and integration of taxonomic data. A stronger focus on these elements has the potential to involve taxonomic communities in biodiversity science and overcome broken linkages currently limiting research capacity. We encourage a community effort to democratize taxonomic expertise and language in order to facilitate maximum interoperability and integration.