Small Collections Grant
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Digitization, Georeferencing, and Conservation of the UNR Herbarium Collection
Argentina
Database, Digitally image, Conserve
Cost (USD):
2000
UNR
IICAR-CONICET. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, UNR.
Objective:
General Objective:
To modernize and enhance the accessibility, scientific value, and long-term preservation of the UNR Herbarium Collection through digitization, georeferencing, and conservation, ensuring integration into global biodiversity networks and fostering research, education, and conservation initiatives.
Specific Objectives:
-Digitization and online publication of specimens
-Georeferencing and metadata standardization
-Conservation and storage improvements
-Facilitating specimen exchange and collaboration
-Training and outreach
Timetable:
● Digitization of 5,000 specimens: JAN to DEC
● High-resolution imaging of specimens: JAN to DEC
● Georeferencing 5,000 specimens: MAR to DEC
● Collection maintenance & conservation: JAN to JUL
● Return of loaned specimens & duplicates: JAN to JUL
● Equipment acquisition: JAN to FEB
● Data integration into GBIF & Portal de Datos de Biodiversidad de Argentina: MAY to DEC
● Quality control & validation: FEB, APR, JUN, AGO, OCT and DIC
● Training program for students: JAN to DEC
● Final report: NOV to DIC
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 achieve our objectives, we will digitize and process 5,000 specimens, capturing high-resolution images and integrating the records into GBIF and the Portal de Datos de Biodiversidad de Argentina. We will use OpenRefine and DARWIN TEST for data cleaning and validation, ensuring accuracy and usability.
For georeferencing, we will apply international herbarium standards to all 5,000 specimens, improving their scientific and conservation value.
To enhance conservation and storage conditions, we will implement archival-quality mounting, pest control, and optimized storage practices, extending the longevity of specimens.
We will process and return all pending loaned specimens while distributing duplicates to national and international herbaria, fostering collaboration.
At least two undergraduate interns will be trained in digitization, georeferencing, and conservation techniques, ensuring sustainability. Additionally, we will conduct workshops and social media outreach to promote the herbarium’s role in biodiversity conservation.
This initiative ensures a modernized, accessible, and well-preserved herbarium, supporting scientific research, education, and conservation efforts at a global scale.
Institution:
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Applicant First Name/s:
email:
"Other" target:
Darién Eros Prado
Applicant Last Name/s: