The Taxonomic Databases Working Group (TDWG, now Biodiversity Information Standards) started out in Geneva in 1985 and this will be its 25^th anniversary.   TDWG has evolved from a relatively close-knit group within the field of Plant Sciences into the current encompassing standards organization underpinning biodiversity publication effort across the entire Linnean tree, over the whole globe, and on top of cutting edge of information technology.

What drove TDWG throughout the turn-of-the-century’s  changes in biodiversity science? How has TDWG’s scope adapted or evolved to changing challenges? What has been its turnout rate? How have interests shifted over time? Can it be considered a stable, healthy network ready to continue its work, boldly going where no taxonomists have gone before?

Through a network analysis, and representation and visualization of samples of TDWG’s themes and interests along its annual meetings, we will picture TDWG’s role, change and adaptation to the flow of biodiversity research, and we will explore what new frontiers may lie ahead to be trodden by TDWG participants between now and  BIS/TDWG’s 26^th anniversary.