Fwd: Genomics for Forest Resilience Initiative – Request for Partnership 2026, closing COB 7 August 2026
Tiffanie Nelson
REQUEST FOR PARTNERSHIP GUIDELINES
Background and Aims
Australia’s forests are facing increasing pressures from climate change, invasive pests and habitat fragmentation. These ecosystems are home to ecologically important species and their long-term resilience is vital to Australia’s unique biodiversity, ecosystem services and environmental health.
The Genomics for Forest Resilience Initiative aims to improve the restoration and conservation potential of Australia’s native forests through the application of advanced genomic tools. The Initiative is supported by Bioplatforms Australia and a network of partners, including the Restore and Renew project, Botanic Gardens of Sydney.
The key aims of the Initiative include:
· Generation of high-quality reference genomes and whole genome population data for key forest species
· Development of enhanced tools for ecological monitoring and restoration planning
· Support for ex-situ collections and provenance-based seed sourcing
Request for Partnership 2026
We are now calling for Requests for Partnership for projects aiming to generate high-quality reference genomes and species population data that will enhance the aims and goals of the Genomics for Forest Resilience Initiative.
Support provided
Bioplatforms Australia will provide the following resources:
· DNA extraction, where required
· Genomics data generation (whole genome sequencing) support through our network of facilities.
· Project management and data management (raw data storage and access, with associated metadata).
· The Genomics for Forest Resilience Initiative will also provide access to the required computing and analytical resources through the Australian BioCommons.
Co-contributions
Project teams will provide co-contribution for the following:
· Project design
· Sample provision, preparation (DNA extraction etc), shipping and supply of metadata
· Bioinformatics/data analysis
· End-use application of the data
· Data publication
· Raw and analysed sequence data submission to international repositories
Data and Collaboration Policy
Data generated from the Genomics for Forest Resilience Initiative will be made accessible to project teams in the Bioplatforms Data Portal as per the Initiative’s Data and Collaboration Policy.
Note: There is a
12-month embargo on the data to allow first access to project teams. During
this time, access will only be given to you and your project collaborators.
After the 12-month period, the data will be scheduled for public release in the
“Open-access” phase, as outlined in Genomics for Forest Resilience Initiative Data and Collaboration Policy.
Collaboration with the Restore & Renew program
The Restore & Renew program (https://www.climatechange.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/restore-and-renew-webtool), led by the Botanic Gardens of Sydney may be able to assist with bioinformatics and access to workflows to assess climate adaptation and understand genetic diversity across populations. The potential benefits of this collaboration include extended collaboration opportunities, application of your work in applied programs and exposure of your project.
Please contact Maurizio Rossetto for more details if you are interest
in collaborating with the Restore & Renew program or if you
have further questions about the Restore & Renew program.
Maurizio Rossetto, Scientific Lead, maurizio...@botanicgardens.nsw.gov.au
To submit a partnership proposal:
· Submit all Request for Partnership using the online form at the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc_GtFmsxfR9T1LRZLrTrbEJmAJKIClkAFdTyD6xsOMWl-ThA/viewform?usp=dialog
· Your form is editable until the due date if you have logged in with a Google account during the submission.
· Complete and submit one form per species of interest. If you are aware of other groups working on your species of interest, we encourage you to collaborate and submit a single proposal.
· Address all criteria/questions listed in the form.
· Please provide an estimated/known genome size and ploidy (where prompted) to assist with the proposal review and cost estimate.
· NOTE: This is not a grant application. The Genomics for Forest Resilience Initiative aims to support all projects that align with its objectives, within the limits of our available budget. Samples for sequencing and other omics experiments should be provided within 12 months of project acceptance.
Deadline: COB Friday, 7th August 2026
Contact information: Parties interested in participating in the Genomics for Forest Resilience Initiative, including this RFP, are welcome to get in contact with us at any time.
Contact information:
Mabel Lum, Program Manager, ml...@bioplatforms.com, 0435 387 007
Kelly Scarlett, Partnerships and Engagement, ksca...@bioplatforms.com, 0435 984 739
Maurizio Rossetto, Scientific Lead, maurizio...@botanicgardens.nsw.gov.au
Regards
Level 4, 4 Wally's Walk | Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia