Fwd: Australian Functional Fungi Initiative - 2026 request for partnership open
Tiffanie Nelson
Dear Bioplatforms Australia Initiative collaborators,
The Australian Functional Fungi Initiative Request for Partnership 2026 is now open
Bioplatforms Australia is seeking collaborative projects to generate high-quality genomic, metabolomic and proteomic reference data for Australia's unique native fungi. This national initiative will build foundational biomolecular resources to enhance knowledge and improve the understanding of the functions of Australian fungi through hypothesis-driven research.
We invite proposals that demonstrate a clear pathway to applied outcomes across priority areas including health and medicine, biological and environmental interactions, industry innovation, and taxonomy and biodiversity. Projects that collaborate and leverage Australia's national fungal collections are strongly encouraged.
- DNA extraction (where required)
- Genomics (whole genome sequencing only)
- Metabolomics and proteomics data generation,
- Project and data management,
- Automated genome assembly and INSDC submission,
- Access to national high-performance computing resources, and
- Collaboration within a national consortium of mycology and omics experts.
We encourage researchers, industry partners, government organisations and collections to apply and help unlock the potential of Australia's extraordinary fungal biodiversity.
For detailed application guidelines and key dates, please see the Request for Partnership documentation.
A sincere thank you to the leaders of the Australian Functional Fungi Initiative for their vision, expertise and commitment in shaping this exciting national initiative.
NOTE: Due to Bioplatforms Australia’s prior investment in the Plant Pathogen Omics Initiative, plant fungal pathogens will not be considered in this Request for Partnership Plant Pathogens Omics Initiative.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLYING
- Please ensure you have read all information on this page before completing the Request for Partnership (RFP) application.
- Complete the online form and submit one document per species or activity. For preparation purposes, you can find a downloadable template here.
- Address all criteria/questions listed, you will be able to edit the form after its submission and until the deadline.
Deadline: COB 18 September 2026
Contact Information
Dr Sophie Mazard, Project Manager sma...@bioplatforms.com
Dr Kelly Scarlett, Partnerships and Engagement Lead ksca...@bioplatforms.com
We welcome collaboration and parties interested in participating in the Australian Functional Fungi initiative, including this RFP, are welcome to get in contact with the FFI Program Manager (Sophie Mazard).
Sophie