Small Collections Grant
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Systematic curation, digitization and data mobilization of Peru’s IMARPE Macroalgal Herbarium for worldwide accessibility
Peru
Database, Curate specimens, Digitally image, Conserve, Other
Cost (USD):
3000
IMP
Instituto del Mar del Peru - IMARPE
Objective:
The IMP Herbarium is the primary repository of macroalgae of the Peruvian coast and a benchmark for Southeast Pacific taxa under the influence of the Humboldt Current and Transition zone. Since 2008, it has significantly advanced taxonomic, phylogenetic and phylogeographic knowledge, fostered regional research between Peru and Chile, and supported student instruction. This project aims to improve the physical and digital curation of the herbarium by: 1) physical curation of 1,000 specimens, 2) implementation of a 2D-barcode system, and 3) digitization of metadata and herbarium sheets.
Timetable:
1.Physical Curation (months 1–4). Comprehensive revision of 1,000 macroalgal specimens, including disinfection and cleaning. Physical stabilization and remounting will be performed where necessary to prevent environmental degradation.
2.Metadata Standardization (1–4). Existing records will be mapped to the Darwin Core (DwC) standard. R-based workflows will be implemented to ensure data quality and taxonomic consistency, transforming the current Excel database for global integration.
3.Reorganization and Labeling (5–10). The collection will be reorganized according to AlgaeBase phylogenetic hierarchies. New labels will be printed on acid-free paper using a thermal transfer printer, and a 2D-barcode system will be implemented for each herbarium sheet.
4.High-Resolution Imaging (7–12). Specialized scanning will generate high-resolution digital surrogates of 1,000 specimens, adhering to international standards for virtual herbaria.
5.Data Mobilization and Outreach (12). The dataset will be published in open-access biological databases following FAIR principles. Outreach activities will demonstrate herbarium management to students, raising awareness of Peruvian marine biodiversity.
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:
Despite its high scientific value, the specimens face critical risks from environmental factors, primarily high humidity, necessitating urgent physical stabilization and specialized curatorial cleaning. While an accessioned Excel database exists, the collection lacks a 2D-barcoding system for physical-digital traceability, and its metadata is not yet interoperable with international biodiversity standards.
A specialized curatorial assistant will be exclusively dedicated to manage the curation and digitization workflow. Physical curation of 1,000 specimens will involve disinfection and stabilization, followed by a systematic reorganization based on updated AlgaeBase phylogenetic hierarchies. Existing metadata will be reviewed, cleaned, and mapped to the Darwin Core (DwC) standard using R-based workflows to ensure data quality and the automated generation of labels on acid-free paper. A thermal transfer printer and handheld scanner will be acquired for barcoding the herbarium sheets. For imaging, a specialized scanner will be rented to ensure each record meets international standards for virtual herbaria.
The resulting data will be made available through open-access biological databases following FAIR principles, providing global access to high-value material. Additionally, outreach activities will be held for visiting students to demonstrate herbarium maintenance and raise awareness about Peruvian marine biodiversity.
Institution:
IH Code:
Country:
Target areas:
Applicant First Name/s:
email:
Data mobilization
"Other" target:
Patricia
Carbajal
Applicant Last Name/s: