Privacy Policy

Introduction

Welcome to AusFlora Research. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our services related to Australian native plant research and conservation.

By accessing or using our website, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our practices, please do not use our website or services.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

• Name and contact information (email address, phone number)
• Professional affiliation and research interests
• Comments, questions, and other information you provide through contact forms
• Newsletter subscription preferences
• Participation in citizen science programs

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device and usage patterns:

• IP address and geographic location
• Browser type and version
• Operating system information
• Pages visited and time spent on our website
• Referring website addresses
• Device identifiers and mobile network information

How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for various purposes, including:

• Providing and maintaining our research services
• Responding to your inquiries and providing customer support
• Sending newsletters and updates about Australian plant research
• Improving our website functionality and user experience
• Conducting scientific research and conservation activities
• Analyzing website usage patterns and trends
• Complying with legal obligations and protecting our rights
• Facilitating citizen science program participation

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to third parties without your consent, except in the following circumstances:

Research Partners

We may share aggregated, anonymized data with our research partners and collaborating institutions for scientific research purposes. This data cannot be used to identify individual users.

Service Providers

We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website, conducting research, or serving our users, provided they agree to keep this information confidential.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when we believe in good faith that such disclosure is necessary to comply with applicable laws, regulations, legal processes, or government requests.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Our security measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
• Secure data storage and backup procedures
• Employee training on data protection practices

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze website usage. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Provide personalized content and recommendations
• Analyze website traffic and user behavior
• Improve our website functionality and performance

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling cookies may affect some website functionality.

Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location and applicable laws, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal requirements
• Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service provider
• Objection: Object to certain types of processing of your information
• Withdrawal: Withdraw consent for data processing where applicable

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below. We will respond to your request within the timeframe required by applicable law.

Children's Privacy

Our website and services are not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

For educational programs involving minors, we require appropriate parental or guardian consent and follow additional protective measures.

International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure that such transfers are conducted in accordance with applicable data protection laws and that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website and updating the "Last Updated" date.

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

We are committed to addressing your privacy concerns and will respond to your inquiries as promptly as possible.