"Taxonomy at a Crossroads: Science, Publics and Policy in Biodiversity" is a 3 year interdisciplinary research project which brings together social and natural scientists to explore contemporary innovation in the taxonomic sciences. We are witnessing interesting shifts in the ways in which taxonomy is practiced - especially with the recent introduction of DNA barcoding techniques - an introduction which has provoked a whole spectrum of reactions from the taxonomic community. The implications of these changes for scientific, public and policy communities are beginning to be felt and observed. As such, a social scientific insight is welcome as the futures of taxonomy and of biodiversity science gradually take shape on a global playing field.