Image

DiversityScanner is novel technology developed by Rudolf Meier (Museum fur Naturkunde) and Lorenz Wührl and Christian Pylatiuk (Karlsruher Institut für Technologie) that combines robotics, high-throughput genomic sequencing and machine learning to scan, classify and quantify invertebrate taxa from bulk environmental samples. The Centre for Biodiversity Analysis has initiated the establishment of the Australian Biodiversity Discovery Facility to use and develop the DiversityScanner pipelines for Australian taxa.

Expressions of Interest for Technology Use Trials

The CBA is seeking expressions of interest from people who would like to trial the use of DiversityScanner and associated pipelines for use in their research or monitoring projects. These trial projects will allow us to test the use and feasibility of the DiversityScanner technology across a broad range of Australian taxa and applications as we establish the Facility and provide you with a better understanding of whether and how this technology can work for your specific needs.

We welcome EOIs (see Downloads) from anyone, including students, working in fields related to Biodiversity, who have samples available to be processed using DiversityScanner pipelines. We are looking for several test cases that represent a broad range of taxa and applications. If your EOI is successful we will work with you to determine the best way to process your samples. We will cover the costs of sample processing using DiversityScanner methods. This includes reagents, consumables, access to equipment, bench fees, and staff time. All funds will be administered by the CBA. We will not cover costs associated with collecting samples/specimens.

Please note that this is an expression of interest to trial and develop the DiversityScanner technology. We cannot guarantee useable results. Data produced (images, sequences) will be openly available for use by all collaborators and the CBA expects co-authorship on any resulting publications.

Application deadline

6 December 2024

Downloads

Contact

Megan Head | megan.head@anu.edu.au