Small Collections Grant
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Strengthening, Digitizing, and Integratively Curating the Xylariaceae Collection at HUA (Herbario Universidad de Antioquia), Colombia
Colombia
Database, Curate specimens, Digitally image, Process backlog, Ship to another institution, Conserve, Other
Cost (USD):
3000
HUA
Universidad de Antioquia
Objective:
This project will strengthen the Xylariaceae collection at HUA by digitizing and photographing 500 specimens, curating and updating 500 records, incorporating 50 Amazonian backlog specimens, improving storage conditions, and enriching the collection through targeted fieldwork. Integrative taxonomy, including 50 DNA reference sequences linked to vouchers, will support accurate identification. Duplicates will be shared with COL, and an updated checklist will be produced.
Timetable:
The project duration is supported by the full-time dedication of a postdoctoral researcher specialized in Xylariaceae.
Month 1: Imaging protocol adaptation; assessment of storage conditions.
Months 2–5: Taxonomic revision and curation of at least 500 specimens; incorporation of 50 backlog specimens.
Months 3–6: Photography and digitization of at least 500 specimens; upload to the HUA online platform.
Months 4–7: Targeted fieldwork and incorporation of new collections.
Months 5–8: DNA extraction and sequencing to generate at least 50 reference sequences.
Month 8: Preparation and shipment of duplicates to COL.
Month 9: Database validation and integration of morphological and molecular data.
Month 10: Preparation of updated checklist and dissemination of results.
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:
Digitization and Imaging: At least 500 specimens will be photographed and digitized using the existing HUA database platform. The established plant imaging workflow will be adapted for macrofungi, and a standardized fungal protocol will be implemented. High-quality images and updated metadata will be made publicly available through the HUA online portal.
Curation and Taxonomic Revision: A minimum of 500 specimens will undergo taxonomic revision, nomenclatural updating, and database verification. Fifty Amazonian backlog specimens will be formally incorporated, improving representation of biodiversity-rich and underdocumented regions.
Integrative Taxonomy: Because Xylariaceae include many cryptic species, molecular data are essential for accurate identification. At least 60 DNA reference sequences will be generated from curated vouchers, deposited in GenBank, and linked to HUA specimens to support Neotropical and global phylogenetic research.
Collection Enrichment and Conservation: Targeted fieldwork will address distributional gaps, and new specimens will be processed and incorporated into HUA. Storage conditions will be reviewed and improved to ensure long-term preservation.
IAPT funding will enable coordinated digitization, curation, conservation, and integrative taxonomic strengthening of the collection.
Institution:
IH Code:
Country:
Target areas:
Applicant First Name/s:
email:
DNA reference sequences linked to curated voucher specimens will be generated to support accurate identification
"Other" target:
Felipe
Cardona
Applicant Last Name/s: