Fwd: Genomics for Forest Resilience Initiative – Request for Partnership, Deadline: COB Friday, 26th September 2025
Tiffanie Nelson
Dear Colleagues
The Bioplatforms Australia Genomics for Forest Resilience Initiative – Request for Partnership may be of interest to you.
Please see below for all the details.
Genomics for Forest Resilience Initiative – Request for Partnership 2025
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 2025
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/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 Restore & Renew
Restore and Renew (https://www.restore-and-renew.org.au/) developed by the Botanic Gardens of Sydney, is an online decision support tool that supports genetically informed restoration practices and enables restoration practitioners and ecologists to incorporate the latest science into their toolkit, helping them to restore diverse, resilient and adaptable ecosystems.
The Genomic for Forest Resilience projects also have the opportunity to collaborate with the Restore & Renew platform who may be able to assist with bioinformatics and access to workflows to assess climate adaptation and understand genetic diversity across populations.
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/1FAIpQLScZRzSozncnZYxUKKaxLBdLDa8ijDi_m404MSJOKTDHQimTDg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=113839827393009110295
· You can edit a submitted form right up until the deadline.
· 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 note you can edit a submitted form right up until the deadline.
· 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, 26th September 2025
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.auRegards
Mabel
Mabel Lum (PhD) | Program Manager | Bioplatforms
Australia Ltd
Level 4, 4 Wally's Walk | Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
Mobile: +61 435 387 007 | Email: ml...@bioplatforms.com | Web: www.bioplatforms.com
Genomics Research Community Engagement Lead
Australian BioCommons
The University of Melbourne
I work flexibly. If I am sending this message outside of normal business hours it is because it suits me. There is no expectation on my part that you will respond outside of your working hours.
My position is funded by Bioplatforms Australia and hosted by The University of Melbourne.
I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which I work and pay my respects to their Elders, both past and present.
