Fwd: AVID Initiative – Request for Partnership 2026 now open

[Tiffanie Nelson]

Dear all,

Please see below an opportunity that may be of interest to you.

Regards,

Tiff

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to share that the Australian Venom Innovation and Discovery (AVID) Initiative Request for Partnership is now open for project proposals. The initiative provides an opportunity to collaborate on generating foundational genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic resources for Australian venomous species of ecological, medical, agricultural and strategic importance.

The AVID Initiative is a national collaborative effort to build interoperable and openly accessible molecular datasets that will advance understanding of venom evolution, gene regulation and functional diversity, while supporting research into the ecological roles of venom systems, their responses to environmental change, and the discovery of novel compounds and applications.

Projects should focus on venomous species and their venom systems. Purely toxin-producing species are not currently in scope.

The following genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic data generation activities are in scope for this Request for Partnership:

• Whole genome sequencing (long-read)
• Transcriptome sequencing, including at least one sample from the venom gland or venom organ
• Venom proteome data generation

Proposals should demonstrate the scientific or strategic value of generating these molecular resources, including potential contributions to research in areas such as:

• venom biology, evolution and ecological function;
• understanding venom composition and functional diversity;
• discovery and characterisation of novel compounds; and/or
• therapeutic, agricultural, diagnostic, biosecurity or other translational applications.

Support available through the initiative includes:

• DNA extraction services, where required;
• high-quality reference genome sequencing, including long-read sequencing and Hi-C;
• transcriptome sequencing;
• venom proteome data generation;
• project and data management, including raw data storage and associated metadata;
• automated reference genome assembly and submission to the European Nucleotide Archive (ENA);
• access to high-performance computing and analytical resources through the Australian BioCommons Leadership Share (ABLeS); and
• collaboration with a national consortium of genomics and proteomics experts.

Applicants are expected to contribute to project design, sample provision and preparation, metadata, bioinformatics/data analysis, interpretation and application of the data, and publication and/or submission of data to relevant international repositories. Samples for data generation will need to be provided within 12 months of project acceptance.

For information on how to apply and the submission form, please refer to the AVID Initiative Request for Partnership guidelines on our website. Applications are open until 5 pm (AEDT) Friday, 13 November 2026.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss potential projects, please get in touch with me.

Best wishes,

Aude

Aude Touffu | Project Manager | Bioplatforms Australia Ltd

Level 4, Bldg 4WW, 4 Wally's Walk, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia 

Mobile: +61 403 271 059 | Email: ato...@bioplatforms.com | Web: www.bioplatforms.com

--

Tiff Nelson, PhD (she/her)

Genomics Research Community Engagement Lead
Australian BioCommons

The University of Melbourne

M: +61 (0) 476 985 154

W: biocommons.org.au

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.