The Centre for Biodiversity Analysis (CBA) has announced the successful projects selected to trial the use of the DiversityScanner, a novel technology that integrates robotics, machine learning, and high-throughput genomic sequencing to automate the identification and classification of invertebrate taxa from bulk environmental samples. These trials mark a significant step in testing the feasibility and application of this cutting-edge tool across a range of Australian biodiversity studies.

Following an open call for expressions of interest, eight diverse research projects have been chosen to evaluate the potential of the DiversityScanner pipelines. These projects encompass forensic science, biosecurity, conservation, taxonomy, and ecological monitoring, showcasing the versatility of this technology.

The successful projects include:

1. Taphonomic Fly Scanner – Investigating the potential of DiversityScanner in forensic entomology by genetically validating fly species used to determine time of deposition in forensic investigations.

2. Invertebrate Abundance and Diversity in Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary – Assessing invertebrate diversity and abundance in a conservation area to support ongoing ecological monitoring and species reintroduction efforts.

3. Biosecurity Sample Analysis – Exploring the use of DiversityScanner pipelines for detecting and identifying target species within biosecurity surveillance samples.

4. Nesting Behaviour and Systematics of Australian Ageniellini Spider Wasps – Enhancing taxonomic and evolutionary research on spider wasps by testing the scanner’s ability to process and identify species.

5. DiversityScanner for Freshwater Invertebrates – Trialling the technology for use in identifying and processing freshwater invertebrates to compare its efficiency with traditional identification methods.

6. Taxonomy and Ecology of Australian Kleptoparasitic Flies – Investigating the role of chloropid and milichiid flies in pollination and their ecological interactions, using the scanner to sort and identify specimens efficiently.

7. Long-Term Climate Change Impacts on Alpine Plant-Pollinator Communities – Leveraging historical datasets to examine shifts in insect pollinator communities over time, with a focus on undescribed Diptera species.

8. Calyptrate Fly Biodiversity Discovery – Addressing the ‘dark taxa’ problem in Australian entomology by using the DiversityScanner to classify and document morphologically distinctive but undescribed fly species.

These projects will provide valuable insights into the capabilities of the DiversityScanner and help refine its application for biodiversity research in Australia. The CBA will support the trials by covering costs associated with sample processing, including reagents, consumables, and access to equipment.

The initiative is a key step in establishing the Australian Biodiversity Discovery Facility, which aims to develop and implement advanced technologies for biodiversity assessment. The results of these trials will contibute to the future of automated species identification and broader ecological and conservation efforts across Australia.