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.
Strengthening the Asteraceae Collection at the HECASA Herbarium: Processing, Curation, Digitization, and Open Data
Colombia
Database, Curate specimens, Process backlog, Conserve
Cost (USD):
3000
HECASA
University of Pamplona
Objective:
General objective:
To strengthen the Asteraceae collection at the HECASA Herbarium through specimen processing, taxonomic curation, and digitization to improve accessibility for research and biodiversity data.
Specific objectives:
Process and curate 500 backlog specimens
Digitize label data for at least 800 specimens
Improve documentation of type specimens
Train undergraduate students in herbarium techniques and biodiversity data management.
Timetable:
During months 1–2, backlog Asteraceae specimens will be reviewed, sorted, and processed, including mounting when necessary and improvement of specimen labeling. During months 2–4, taxonomic verification and updating of identifications will be carried out using specialized literature and reference specimens. From months 3–5, label data will be transcribed and standardized following biodiversity data standards. In months 5–6, the dataset will be finalized and prepared for integration into the herbarium database and publication through biodiversity data platforms.
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:
The HECASA Herbarium houses approximately 1,200 specimens of Asteraceae within its vascular plant collection. However, an additional backlog of specimens from this family remains partially processed and requires curation and digitization. This project will focus on the systematic processing of 500 backlog specimens, including mounting when necessary, label verification, and improvement of specimen labeling following standard herbarium procedures. At the same time, previously curated Asteraceae specimens will be reviewed and incorporated into the digitization process when possible.
Taxonomic curation will involve verification and updating of identifications using specialized literature, online taxonomic resources, and comparison with reference specimens. When necessary, consultation with taxonomic specialists will help improve identification accuracy.
Label information will be transcribed and standardized following international biodiversity data standards (e.g., Darwin Core). All records will be incorporated into the herbarium database and prepared for publication through global biodiversity platforms.
Undergraduate students will participate in specimen processing, data transcription, and basic curatorial tasks under supervision, receiving practical training in herbarium techniques, plant taxonomy, and biodiversity data management.
Institution:
IH Code:
Country:
Target areas:
Applicant First Name/s:
email:
"Other" target:
Jessica
Sarmiento
Applicant Last Name/s: