Small Collections Grant
This page is used to provide assessment scores for each grant application assigned to you. Please use the rubric below the grant details to enter your assessment scores and any notes you wish to include.
Please note that all scores entered must be whole numbers (no decimals), or you will be unable to save this form.
Taxonomic Documentation of Seaweeds in Bangladesh: Strengthening Research Infrastructure through Herbarium Development in MZAMAN Aquatic Herbarium
Bangladesh
Database, Curate specimens, Conserve, Other
Cost (USD):
3000
MZAH
Department of Botany, University of Rajshahi
Objective:
Research on the taxonomy of seaweeds in Bangladesh dates back to 1976, when Islam conducted the first study. Till now, more than 100 genera, nearly 200 species, unfortunately, these seaweeds were never deposited as specimens. The study targets to conduct systematic field collections, morphological identification following international nomenclatural standards, and preparation of well-curated voucher specimens for deposition in the MZAH Aquatic Herbarium. The project aims to fill gaps in national algal records and enhance herbarium resources to support future taxonomic and systematic studies.
Timetable:
Time Frame of Execution (June–June, 1 Year): June–July: Project initiation, administrative approvals, confirmation of the host institution, procurement of equipment, and preparation for overseas training, including visa processing. August–September: Overseas training in seaweed collection, preservation, herbarium preparation, ICN-compliant labeling, digitization, and development of SOPs for MZAH. October: Laboratory setup at MZAH, installation of storage materials, preparation of database and data sheets. Late November–April: Seasonal field sampling at Cox’s Bazar and St. Martin’s Island with GPS recording, ecological data collection, and in situ photography. Specimens will be processed, identified using microscopy and literature, and prepared as pressed, liquid-preserved, and silica-dried vouchers with continuous digitization. May-June: Final verification, expert consultation, labeling, mounting, and deposition of voucher specimens at MZAH and preparation of final report. June: Submission of final report and dissemination workshop.
Scoring Rubric
Reviewer's name:
Collection Improvement (max. 120 points)
-
Facilitating access to the physical collections by digitization (e.g., data entry, setting up database structure with an outline of the platform to be used, purchasing equipment, and imaging specimens) – up to 30 points.
-
Enhancing physical collections by improving the conservation status of specimens in the herbarium (e.g., better folders, protecting covers, mounting paper, labeling, etc.) – up to 30 points.
-
Curating specimens (e.g., updating families, species identification, identifying types) – up to 20 points.
-
Increasing our understanding of the flora or funga by making new herbarium specimens available, such as processing of backlog or collecting and mounting of new specimens from understudied sites – up to 20 points.
-
Securing collections by distribution of duplicates (or orphan collections) to other regional or international herbaria or shipping endangered collections to another herbarium – up to 20 points.
This proposal scores:
/120
Methods & Funding (max. 40 points)
-
Match between the proposed budget and methods for the aims described – up to 10 points.
-
Perceived need, the extent to which the project will benefit from IAPT funding: e.g., due to active floristic work or contribution to poorly collected sites, due to threatened conditions of collections, and for the degree of involvement of others (outreach and education). We give more points for herbaria in low- and middle-income countries – up to 20 points.
-
Sharing duplicate specimens with other herbaria – up to 10 points.
This proposal scores:
/40
Broader Impacts (max. 40 points)
-
Degree of regional importance of the collection or the taxonomic importance of the targeted collection – up to 10 points.
-
The project will yield durable benefits (specimens, digitized metadata, databases, websites) – up to 15 points.
-
The project involves outreach/mentoring and broad dissemination – up to 15 points.
This proposal scores:
/40
0
Year of last successful SCG application:
Has applicant applied for SCG before?:
No
Plan:
To establish a standardized seaweed herbarium system in Bangladesh, specialized overseas training will be undertaken at a recognized marine phycology laboratory with expertise in seaweed taxonomy, molecular analysis, digitization, and ICN-compliant nomenclature. Seaweed preservation differs from other aquatic plants due to delicate thallus structure and rapid degradation; therefore, training will include intertidal and subtidal sampling, cleaning and sorting techniques, fixation methods, pressing and mounting procedures for green, brown, and red algae, liquid preservation of delicate taxa, silica gel drying for molecular work, labeling standards, database management, and long-term curation practices. The acquired expertise will be applied to develop standardized procedures at the MZAH Aquatic Herbarium. Systematic sampling will be conducted at Cox’s Bazar and St. Martin’s Island across rocky shores, sandy beaches, and offshore areas from the end of November to the first week of April. GPS coordinates and in situ photographs will be recorded. Specimens will receive unique collection numbers with detailed metadata. Morphological identification will follow international standards using microscopy and updated taxonomic literature from home and abroad, including AlgaeBase. Well-curated voucher specimens will be prepared and deposited at MZAH, strengthening national algal records and future research.
Institution:
IH Code:
Country:
Target areas:
Applicant First Name/s:
email:
Undertake training, collect specimens
"Other" target:
Sabrina
Naz
Applicant Last Name/s: