Small Collections Grant
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Expanding, digitizing, and strengthening the research and accessibility capacity of the Herbarium HCUC at the Universidad de Cartagena (Colombia)
Colombia
Database, Process backlog, Ship, Conserve
Cost (USD):
2000
HCUC
Universidad de Cartagena
Objective:
• Digitize and integrate 1,000 specimens into GBIF, ensuring global access to HCUC data.
• Expand the collection by adding 1,000 specimens (via field collection or duplicate exchange), prioritizing underrepresented groups.
• Process at least 500 specimens from the backlog.
• Acquire a computer for improve specimen databasing.
• Train botany seedbed students in curation, digitization, and specimen mounting.•
• Enhance specimen preservation with pest monitoring and improved storage.
Timetable:
Months 1-3: Start processing 500 backlog specimens, digitizing and integrating data into the herbarium’s database. Set up a computer for databasing and GBIF integration. Establish national collaborations for duplicate exchanges and engage students from the research seedbed in botany in curation and digitization. Students will receive training in digitization, mounting, and metadata preparation while herbarium records are organized for better accessibility.
Months 4-6: Conduct field expeditions and/or duplicate exchanges to incorporate 1,000 new specimens, prioritizing 300 underrepresented plant groups. Begin integrating new specimens into botany courses. Continue processing both new and backlog specimens while implementing pest monitoring and conservation strategies. Conduct in-class sessions using the expanded collection, actively involving students.
Months 7-9: Finalize digitization of 1,000 specimens and integrate them into GBIF. Assess research and educational impact while refining workflows. Strengthen collaborations with national herbaria.
Months 10-12: Complete project documentation and develop a long-term sustainability plan for continued growth and student engagement.
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
2024
Year of last successful SCG application:
Has applicant applied for SCG before?:
Plan:
To meet the proposed objectives, we will implement a structured workflow combining digitization, collection expansion, student training, and collaboration with national herbaria. First, digitization will follow a systematic approach, prioritizing well-preserved specimens and ensuring standardized metadata for seamless integration into GBIF. The acquisition of a dedicated computer will optimize data processing, allowing us to efficiently database and publish 1,000 specimens online. Collection expansion will be achieved through two parallel strategies: targeted field expeditions to collect underrepresented plant groups and duplicate exchanges with national herbaria, reinforcing collaborative networks. Meanwhile, backlog processing will ensure at least 500 specimens are mounted, labeled, and incorporated into the collection. A key component of this project is student engagement. Participants from botany seedbeds will receive hands-on training in herbarium curation, specimen mounting, and digitization, strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring long-term sustainability. To improve conservation, we will enhance pest monitoring and storage conditions, implementing preventive measures to maintain specimen integrity. Finally, collaboration with national herbaria will provide taxonomic verification and knowledge exchange, positioning HCUC as a key resource for regional biodiversity research.
Institution:
IH Code:
Country:
Target areas:
Applicant First Name/s:
email:
"Other" target:
Andres Orejuela
Applicant Last Name/s: