Small Collections Grant
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From Backlog to Research-Ready: Enhancing the Bryophyte Collection at HERW
Brasil
Database, Curate specimens, Conserve, Other
Cost (USD):
3000
HERW
University of State of Rio Grande do Sul
Objective:
To improve HERW’s bryophyte collection and consolidate it as a structured regional biodiversity repository for Southern Brazil, particularly the Pampa, a historically underrepresented biome in national and global biodiversity databases, strengthening scientific reliability, accessibility, and long-term preservation.
Timetable:
Months 1-2: Installation of the dehumidifier, reorganization of storage space, and implementation of a standardized curation workflow. One research assistant and one undergraduate student will be selected and trained in herbarium procedures and databasing standards.
Months 3-5: Taxonomic examination, identification, and nomenclatural verification of 1,000 previously unidentified specimens, including label revision and database updating.
Months 6-9: Processing, identification, mounting, labeling, and databasing of 1,000 newly collected bryophyte specimens, ensuring their structured integration into the collection.
Months 10-12: Final metadata validation and formatting according to Darwin Core standards, publication of the updated dataset via SpeciesLink and GBIF, and preparation of duplicate specimens to partner herbaria.
Scoring Rubric
Reviewer's name:
Collection Improvement (max. 120 points)
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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.
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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.
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Curating specimens (e.g., updating families, species identification, identifying types) – up to 20 points.
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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.
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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)
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Match between the proposed budget and methods for the aims described – up to 10 points.
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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.
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Sharing duplicate specimens with other herbaria – up to 10 points.
This proposal scores:
/40
Broader Impacts (max. 40 points)
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Degree of regional importance of the collection or the taxonomic importance of the targeted collection – up to 10 points.
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The project will yield durable benefits (specimens, digitized metadata, databases, websites) – up to 15 points.
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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:
The project will curate 2,000 bryophyte specimens: 1,000 backlog records currently unidentified or partially determined and 1,000 recently collected specimens. All material will undergo detailed morphological examination using specialized literature and updated taxonomic frameworks. Identifications will be verified, synonymy assessed, and nomenclature standardized according to current classifications. Specimens will receive updated labels including taxonomic authority, collection metadata, and georeferencing when available. Data will be revised and standardized in the HERW database following Darwin Core standards and subsequently published via SpeciesLink and GBIF to ensure open access and interoperability. Grant funds will support 90 days of supervised herbarium-based work by one research assistant and one undergraduate student, ensuring structured taxonomic curation and hands-on training. Funds will also cover the acquisition of a dehumidifier to improve environmental control and long-term specimen preservation.
Institution:
IH Code:
Country:
Target areas:
Applicant First Name/s:
email:
Taxonomic examination, identification, and nomenclatural verification of unidentified specimens
"Other" target:
Jucara
Bordin
Applicant Last Name/s: