Small Collections Grant
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Specimen Data Mobilization at the Central Mindanao University Herbarium (CMUH)
Philippines
Digitally image, Process backlog
Cost (USD):
3000
CMUH
Central Mindanao University
Objective:
The project aims to: (1) digitize and mobilize 2,000 fern and lycophyte specimens at the Central Mindanao University Herbarium (CMUH), comprising 1,150 NSF-derived collections and 850 backlogged specimens; (2) establish standardized imaging, curation, and data management workflows at CMUH; and (3) disseminate high-resolution specimen images and metadata through international biodiversity data portals to enhance research accessibility and conservation planning.
Timetable:
October–December 2026: Acquisition and transport of digitization equipment; installation of imaging station at CMUH; two-week technical training conducted by BRIT personnel; initiation of specimen verification, mounting, labeling, and workflow calibration.
January–May 2027: Implementation of digitization activities integrated within the plant taxonomy course; systematic mounting, labeling, barcoding, metadata transcription, and imaging of specimens; continuous quality assurance, data storage, and backup.
June–July 2027: Completion of imaging of all 2,000 specimens; post-processing of images; metadata validation; integration into BRIT’s repository at the Texas Advanced Computing Center; preparation for online publication.
August 2027: Public dissemination of digitized records through biodiversity data portals; project evaluation; formalization of a sustained digitization and curation pipeline for remaining CMUH holdings.
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 objectives will be accomplished through the establishment of a dedicated specimen digitization station at CMUH in collaboration with the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT). BRIT will procure standardized imaging equipment, construct a light box following established herbarium digitization models, and provide a two-week intensive training for CMUH personnel and students on specimen preparation, imaging protocols, metadata capture, quality control, and data management.
All specimens will undergo taxonomic verification in accordance with the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group classification system adopted by World Flora Online. Unmounted specimens will be mounted on archival herbarium sheets, fitted with printed labels derived from verified field metadata, annotated as necessary, barcoded with unique identifiers, and curated following international herbarium standards. High-resolution images will be generated under controlled lighting and color-calibrated conditions to ensure data integrity.
Digital images and associated metadata will be stored locally with backup systems and integrated into BRIT’s established data pipeline for archiving and publication. Specimen data will be disseminated through established biodiversity platforms, thereby ensuring global accessibility. To ensure long-term sustainability, digitization protocols will be embedded in a semester-long plant taxonomy course, institutionalizing training in herbarium curation and biodiversity informatics.
Institution:
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Applicant First Name/s:
email:
"Other" target:
Fulgent
Coritico
Applicant Last Name/s: