RBGK

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS KEW

Establish network of DNA and tissue banks

Work with Biological Resource Centres and ESBB to establish a network of DNA and tissue banks in Europe. Advice will be sought from seed and germplasm banks who have already overcome some of the potential issues for their specific group of organisms. The aims of this network will be to:
1) Enable easy access and exchange of DNA, RNA, and tissue samples

2) Coordinate the use of protocols to improve the storage of and access to collections (with Task 1.1)

3) Extend the international participation in the DNA Bank Network

Develop protocols for data collection from DNA extraction

Develop protocols for collecting data from sequencing activities on NH collections and feedback on the success of different methodologies. Working alongside the CPB, NA2 aims to produce a Memorandum of Understanding for a European protocol.

Develop strategic priorities for DNA library creation of NH collections

Creation and use of DNA Libraries (developed in SYNTHESYS2) will be reviewed for feasibility of implementation at institutional scale by European NH institutions. Host a two day workshop to assess the scope and protocols for common integration. Day one will be used to demonstrate the outputs of the previous
SYNTHESYS JRA outcomes, which are methodologies for optimal extraction of DNA from NH collections. Day two will be used to agree priorities and integrated strategies for the creation of DNA libraries.

Develop strategic priorities for barcoding of NH collections

Working alongside members of IBOL, create a common strategy for prioritising the barcoding of NH collections. Host workshop of NH institutions and key IBOL members to achieve this aim. CETAF, SPNHC, CPB, ECBOL and LifeWatch will be used to recruit institutions outside the Consortium to adopt the policy, ensuring a coordinated action across Europe.

Developing strategic priorities for molecular related NH collections

Develop policies for new physical CM

Collate existing European policies that relate to new physical collections and use these as a basis to agree recommendations for common European CM policies and procedures. A meeting will be held with representatives from outside the Consortium to discuss and refine the policies. The recommendations will
include areas such as optimal storage, cost of access/sustainability, data integration, and acquisition, access and use regulations (in agreement with ABS/CBD). Promotion as task 1.1. Horizon scanning will be an integral part of this task.

Produce handbook of best practice and standards for 3D imaging of NH specimens

To get an overview of all relevant 3D techniques, software and equipment, a handbook of best practice for 3D imaging will be produced. The handbook will use JRA obj. 2 results and include recommendations concerning which techniques should be used for different types of object, and which technical standards exist for creating a 3D image and for visualisation of the images.

Develop policies for virtual CM and integrate JRA outputs

Collate existing European virtual collection policies and use these as a basis for recommendations on a common European virtual data management policies and procedures. A meeting will be held with external representatives to discuss and refine the policies. Recommendations will include areas such as sustainable storage, open access (e.g. links with Europeana/GBIF), and IPR and Access and Benefit Sharing. In conjunction with NA3, policies will be promoted via CPB, CETAF, SPNHC and national fora. All policies will be placed on EU-CoM.

Managing new (virtual and physical) collections

Improving collections management and enhancing accessibility

Improving collections management and enhancing accessibility.

Participants