Index to Sessions

Title: General oral presentations on conference theme: Sustainable Futures: Challenges and Opportunities for Modern Collections

Organizer(s): Andrew Bentley (Local Organizing Committee)

Abstract: This general session is for presentations that fit within the SPNHC 2025 theme “Sustainable Futures: Challenges and Opportunities for Modern Collections”.

Format: Regular

Open/Closed: Open

Title: General oral presentations related to any aspect of SPNHC

Organizer(s): Andrew Bentley (Local Organizing Committee)

Abstract: This general session is for presentations that do not fit within any of the predefined symposia or sessions.

Format: Regular

Open/Closed: Open

Title: General oral presentations related to digitization, data management, or data integration

Organizer(s): Andrew Bentley (Local Organizing Committee)

Abstract: This general session is for presentations that highlight digitization initiatives and methods for data management or data integration in collections.

Format: Regular

Open/Closed: Open

Title: Poster presentations

Organizer(s): Andrew Bentley (Local Organizing Committee)

Abstract: Presentations that will be given as posters. Please choose this session type if you wish to present a poster rather than give an oral presentation.

Length: Posters will be up for multiple days and available for viewing during coffee breaks and lunch periods

Format: Posters

Open/Closed: Open

Title: DemoCamp - Live demonstrations of technology for natural history collections and biodiversity data

Organizer(s): Jason Best (Botanical Research Institute of Texas), Katelin Pearson (Symbiota Support Hub)

Abstract: Digital technology and data standards are increasingly critical components of natural history collections. Ongoing efforts to digitize natural history collections and link the resulting information to other resources is envisioned to eventually culminate in a comprehensive digital record of biodiversity preserved and represented in collections worldwide. This significant expansion of the reach of digital collections will further cement the important role of technology and standards in the management, analysis, and dissemination of natural history collections specimens and data. Since its debut at SPNHC 2009, DemoCamp has provided a venue for developers, biodiversity informaticians, digitization managers, and collection managers to convene and share innovative approaches for the use of technology to enhance the management and use of natural history collections. Presentations demonstrate the use of software, tools, services, and workflows that enhance capacity, use or develop global data standards, and extend the accessibility and quality of information. The format of DemoCamp dictates that presentations must be live demonstrations rather than descriptions of the technology and forbids the use of slideshows. Each presenter is allotted time for a live demo as well as questions from the audience. This format ensures that only functional technology is presented.

Format: Demos

Open/Closed: Open

Title: Specimen Spotlight

Organizer(s): Paul Mayer (Field Museum), Greg Watkins-Colwell (Yale Peabody)

Abstract: We are looking for short, lightning-round-type talks on one special specimen in your collection. Something that has an amazing story to tell. Why that specimen is your favorite or is critical to science or education? Why does it matter? Why is it important? What makes it important? What work have you done on it? Please be creative and if you have an idea, try it and please feel free to email us any questions you might have. Talks will be limited to 5 minutes and just 1 to 4 slides. The audio will be recorded and presentations posted on our SPNHC YouTube Channel."

Format: Lightning talks

Open/Closed: Open

Title: Data Discoveries

Organizer(s): Shelley James (Western Australian Herbarium), Deb Paul (Species File Group), Julia Percy-Bower (Western Australian Museum)

Abstract: The Data Discoveries organized session will showcase short, lightning round talks on amazing, whacky, interesting data revelations that have been uncovered resulting from digitization efforts in natural history collections. Examples of talks might be the remarkable people found, who collected with whom, the unexpected composition of objects in the vault, handwriting hinderances, mysteries solved, the use of tools for discovery, a sustainable solution for data quality, an unexpected challenge, correspondence revealed, or just a really weird series of locality strings! Astound and inspire your colleagues with interesting data stories, and the opportunities and outreach potential found in modern (and historical) collections data. Talks will be limited to 5 minutes and just 2-3 slides for brevity.

Format: Lightning talks

Open/Closed: Open

Title: ZooMu Network: Integrating Zoos and Museum Collections to Enhance Capacity for Biological Collections Research

Organizer(s): Greg Watkins-Colwell (Yale Peabody)

Abstract: Both museums and zoological institutions hold a wealth of unique biological resources in their collections. Natural history museums hold critical preserved specimens and their associated data.   Zoos and aquaria are transitioning from primarily live animal exhibitions to biodiversity conservation, focusing more on ways to enhance their contribution to the advancement of biological sciences. In recent years, the group known as “ZooMu” (Zoo and Museum network) has held workshops and webinars dedicated to bridging the gap between these two types of biological collections. These efforts have initiated a much-needed discourse on the underutilization of live and preserved collections and the tremendous complimentary capacity they hold for scientific research and biodiversity conservation. In 2024 the ZooMu Network received funding from the National Science Foundation for a Research Coordination Network (RCN). Webinars and in-person meetings began shortly afterwards. The goal of this symposium is to present the progress made by ZooMu as well as outline near-future activities of the RCN. The symposium will additionally solicit discussion from those who work with biological collections, living or preserved, and share efforts to collaborate across institutions. Such cross-disciplinary symposia help remove barriers to specimen and information sharing and are a significant benefit to the Society.

Format: Regular

Open/Closed: Open

Title: Standing Together for Biodiversity

Organizer(s): Elizabeth Ellwood (iDigBio), Mike Rutherford (University of Glasgow), Jutta Buschbom (Statistical Genetics), Greg Watkins-Colwell (Yale Peabody), Rachel Hackett (Michigan Natural Features Inventory), Elizabeth Downey (Natural History Museum and University College London), Andrew Kitchener (National Museums Scotland), Arturo H. Ariño (University of Navarra), Alina Freire-Fierro (Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi)

Abstract: Conservation of biodiversity is entirely reliant on partnerships. Combinations of land owners, land managers, and institutions that may hold natural science collections such as universities, museums, NGOs, and local, regional, and federal agencies must work together to inform, devise, implement, and maintain conservation strategies. Such partnerships exist at all scales – from local non-profits driven by the manual labor of volunteers to international organizations affecting policy change – and there is much to learn from how each of us approaches these relationships. In this symposium, we highlight the people and organizations who have worked to bring collections and collections data to the table of various formal and informal conservation discussions and actions. Have you represented your collection or collections data in local conservation efforts? Have you introduced a group to, or helped to steward the use of, biodiversity data for conservation purposes? Are you a part of efforts to promote the use of collections data in conservation policy? What steps did you take, what was the impact, and is the partnership ongoing? Whether your conservation work occurs within your institution or at a global scale, we want to hear from you!

Format: Regular

Open/Closed: Open

Title: Repatriation of Natural History Specimens: NAGPRA and Beyond

Organizer(s): Breda Zimkus (Museum of Comparative Zoology), Jyotsna Pandey (AIBS), Trina Roberts (LACM)

Abstract: Repatriation, the process by which institutions transfer the possession of objects back to the communities of origin, is intended to be a process in which museum staff work together with tribal representatives to both understand the provenance and determine future stewardship of collections. Within the United States, consultation and the return of objects to Native American, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian communities may be required by federal or state regulations (e.g., Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act or NAGPRA, National Museum of the American Indian or NMAI Act). Consultation and repatriation may also be voluntarily initiated by museums or requested by Tribal Nations or Indigenous community partners. Most repatriation from natural history collections has focused on categories of objects defined by NAGPRA, including human remains, funerary objects, objects of cultural patrimony, sacred objects, and items known to have been acquired illegally. Voluntary repatriation is not limited to these categories and could include any kind of object or specimen. The goal of this session is to help attendees understand these consultation and repatriation processes and their requirements, as well as share success stories and challenges related to the identification and return of natural history specimens.

Format: Regular

Open/Closed: Open

Title: Challenges and Opportunities in the Conservation of Natural History Collections

Organizer(s): Cindy Opitz (University of Iowa), Irene Finkelde (Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery), Katy Corneli (Prehistoric Museum at USU Eastern)

Abstract: The Conservation Committee invites submission of abstracts for talks on conservation treatment and conservation-related topics. In fitting with the meeting theme, we welcome talks on the topic of sustainable conservation materials and practices and are also interested in general preservation topics that would benefit all of SPNHC membership.

Format: Regular

Open/Closed: Open

Title: Curating the Quirks and Quandaries of Natural History Collections

Organizer(s): Erin Messenger (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew), Ben Hill (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew), Mariana Santana (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew)

Abstract: Natural History Collections are some of the most diverse collections across the sector, ranging from plant, human, and animal material. This presents its own unique and diverse challenges. The variety within these collections often results in recurring challenges that, while unique to individual holdings, are not uncommon across the sector. Rather than focusing solely on issues and setbacks, this symposium invites you to celebrate the lessons learned from overcoming these challenges. Whether it’s leaks, pest outbreaks, or exhibition mishaps, these experiences can be valuable learning opportunities. Many of us in the sector will or already have experienced many of these situations and by sharing these stories we hope it can inspire new approaches and solutions. In this session, we aim to foster a sense of camaraderie by discussing the quirky, unpredictable, and sometimes entertaining side of curating natural history collections. Through shared experiences, we will explore how these challenges can be turned into positive opportunities, contributing to the ongoing development of best practices in collection care and curation. We particularly welcome talks from Herbarium, Ethnobotany, and Biocultural collections.

Format: Regular

Open/Closed: Open

Title: FAIR Data Integration - Realizing the Necessary Network Infrastructure and Social Capacity

Organizer(s): Elizabeth Ellwood (iDigBio), Barbara Thiers (New York Botanical Garden), William Moser (Smithsonian Institution), Anna Monfils (Central Michigan University), John Bates (Field Museum), Sinlan Poo (Memphis Zoo), Dori Contreras (Perot Museum), Mike Webster (Cornell University) 

Abstract: Biodiversity data, particularly from natural science collections, are at the heart of understanding timely issues ranging from conservation to climate change, food security to the bioeconomy, and human health to the spread of disease. However, to fully address these complex problems, genomic, climate, ecological, geological, human health, and other data types must be findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) while being integrated at all levels. Currently, this is difficult, if not impossible to do at scale. Barriers such as incompatible or non-existent standards, leading to a lack of discoverability and accessibility, and insufficient funding, expertise, and training must be overcome for data to be linked and efficiently used in analyses. Similarly, those collecting, managing, linking, sharing, and analyzing data need to collaborate more deliberately across divisions and boundaries, while appropriately training a diverse next generation of researchers, collections personnel, and informaticians. Are you working at the interface of data integration and FAIR data, bringing data or people together across biodiversity and associated landscapes? What successes have you experienced and what challenges remain? This symposium will feature speakers working on the small but critical details necessary for data integration, people advancing connections at the global level, and everything in between.

Format: Regular

Open/Closed: Open

Title: Specify Spotlight: Improving Data Digitization and Management

Organizer(s): Theresa Miller, Grant Fitzsimmons (Specify Collections Consortium)

Abstract: The Specify Spotlight session aims to showcase the role Specify software has played in improving data digitization and management. The session will feature presentations from several users who will highlight their projects involving Specify software for research, data management, and collaborations. The presentations will cover a diverse range of topics, including collection digitization, data integration, and specimen tracking. In addition to user presentations, a member of the Specify Consortium team will deliver an overview of the latest features, updates, and future developments in Specify 7. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussions about best practices, technical support, and potential future collaborations.

Format: Regular

Open/Closed: Open

Title: Things to Know Before Publishing Your Data

Organizer(s): Theresa Miller, Grant Fitzsimmons (Specify Collections Consortium)

Abstract: Data Publishing is an essential part of collection management responsibilities. Deciding which data to share, preparing data to be shared, and selecting who to share your data with, all involve a lot of forethought, planning, and knowledge.  This session will focus on presentations from members of the data community on data standards, Darwin Core compliance, exporting and uploading data, avoiding common data-sharing mistakes, and various publishing platform options and their tools.

Format: Regular

Open/Closed: Open

Title: Vertebrate Collections: From Field to Future

Organizer(s): Moe Flannery, Martha Velez, Shalina Peterson, Cricket Raspet (California Academy of Sciences)

Abstract: Physical specimens form the backbone of natural history research, education, and biodiversity conservation. This symposium will explore methods of procuring, preparing, and preserving vertebrate collections. What are your ideas for ethical and sustainable ways to grow vertebrate collections in the face of conservation challenges? Have you changed the way you store, prepare, or sample specimens to accommodate new research methods? How do you ensure the survival of delicate and irreplaceable historical specimens? Have you developed new tools to recruit and train the next generation of preparators? We invite presentations on all aspects of vertebrate collections management, from field techniques to cutting-edge conservation methods. Presentations on specific taxa and unique collection challenges are highly encouraged. This symposium aims to foster open dialogue and knowledge sharing among vertebrate collection professionals at all levels.

Format: Mix of short talks and lightning talks

Open/Closed: Open

Title: Cut the Grease: Conversations from the osteo prep lab on degreasing processes

Organizer(s): Jacki Whisenant (University of Wisconsin-Madison), Inger Toraason (Smithsonian Museum of Natural History)

Abstract: Preparing and maintaining osteological collections is vitally important for research involving vertebrate specimens. Degreasing is a key step in the process that extends the longevity of osteological specimens, protects the collection from attracting pests, and leaves specimens in a ready-to-use condition. Protocols for this step vary widely between institutions, and this is an invitation to share resources to answer questions, maximize efficiency, and troubleshoot common issues. This symposium is structured in two parts: a series of small topic presentations followed by an open round table discussion with the audience to share tips and ask questions among fellow museum professionals. Topic examples could include general procedures to unusual or specialized approaches for unique organisms (ex: What do you do with a whale? How do you maintain the integrity of miniature skeletons? How do you keep fish from falling apart?). All knowledge is welcome!

Format: Combination of symposium and round table discussion

Open/Closed: Open

Title: Mobilizing Global South's Natural History: Integrating Collections into the GBIF for Biodiversity

Organizer(s): Pritha Dey (National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore), Vijay Barve (Natural History Museum of Los Angeles), Marie Grosjean (GBIF)

Abstract: As the wealth of biodiversity in the Global South remains underrepresented in digital platforms, it is essential to bridge this gap to improve global understanding, conservation efforts, and policymaking. This symposium will explore strategies for enhancing access to and sharing of natural history specimens and data, highlighting the importance of equitable data sharing, capacity building, and infrastructure development. Experts will discuss the technical and logistical challenges of digitizing and curating specimens, as well as the opportunities for collaboration between institutions in the Global South and international networks such as GBIF. Case studies will showcase successful mobilization efforts and how these contribute to broader global biodiversity initiatives, such as monitoring climate change, tracking species distributions, and informing sustainable development policies. The symposium will also address the potential for empowering local communities and researchers in the Global South, ensuring that their knowledge is recognized and integrated into the global biodiversity knowledge ecosystem. Ultimately, the event aims to foster collaboration and inspire new pathways for global, inclusive biodiversity data sharing and conservation.

Format: Regular

Open/Closed: Open

Title: New tricks for old species IDs: Tools for updating specimen-based data

Organizer(s): Nathan Upham, Beckett Sterner (Arizona State University)

Abstract: Labeling specimens with accurate species identifications (IDs) is a core task of all curators in natural history collections. However, the fast pace of taxonomic change in the modern era has made the task of updating species IDs nearly intractable for all but the smallest collections. Outdated species IDs impact not only the specimen itself, but also the myriad types of linked measurements and data that together illuminate the natural history of given specimens. Goals to create networks of ‘digital extended specimens’ that link together primary specimen data (e.g., images) with secondary (e.g., DNA sequences) and tertiary (e.g., species traits, range maps) levels of data would benefit from the ability to rapidly translate among different taxonomic perspectives, ideally by comparing the same data types to per-species references. Thus, new tools could helpfully (i) identify specimens and specimen-linked data that may have undergone a taxonomic change; (ii) update digital records with the currently accepted species ID; and (iii) assist curators with updating or annotating the physical tags in their natural history collections. In this symposium, we gather talks dealing with aspects of this problem in the hopes of synthesizing potential approaches and solutions.

Format: Regular

Open/Closed: Open

Title: The Path Forward: Learning Collection Care for a Sustainable Future

Organizer(s): John Simmons (Museologica)

Abstract: Training opportunities for natural history collection managers and collections specialists include formal graduate programs, internships, professional development workshops, and self-directed education. Each of these options has strengths and weaknesses, but what is the best way to learn to manage natural history collections sustainably? The speakers in this symposium will address the advantages and disadvantages of formal training opportunities and self-directed educational endeavors, as well as the major topics that should be addressed in training programs such as preventive conservation, museological theory, and specializations for the care of geoscience collections, dry collections, fluid-preserved collections, and archives to achieve sustainability in museum collections management and care for the future.

Format: Regular

Open/Closed: Open

Title: Back to Basics: Museum Techniques Skillshare

Organizer(s): Genevieve Tocci (Harvard University Herbaria), Emily Braker (Museum of Natural History, University of Colorado)

Abstract: Specific methods of day-to-day curatorial work in natural history collections are often learned through practical experience, despite the available body of literature and online resources. This symposium aims to capture and disseminate the invaluable peer-to-peer knowledge transfer within a conference setting. We invite collection stewards from all disciplines and career stages to present ‘how-to’ tutorial talks on everyday curation techniques, such as packing loans, storage strategies, specimen preparation, applying revisions, and anything else from the breadth of collections management work in the field. Contributions highlighting effective solutions, efficient workflows, or local insights that can be adapted and implemented at a different institution are of particular interest. While best practices are encouraged, pragmatic solutions developed on limited budgets or that apply modern approaches to time-honored practices are welcome. Whether new to the field, a mid-career professional seeking to acquire new skills, or a seasoned veteran interested in outside perspectives, this session is intended to communicate knowledge, enhance capacity, and connect colleagues from diverse disciplines performing parallel work. In collaboration with the Best Practices Committee, presenters are strongly encouraged to share their slides in PDF format with the organizers, as well as provide “key points” for sharing on the SPNHC wiki.

Format: Regular

Open/Closed: Open

Title: Linking collections and their research products: realities and innovations in PID usage, specimen citation, and usage metrics

Organizer(s): Natalie Raia (University of Arizona), Natalia López Carranza (Biodiversity Institute, KU), Erica Krimmel (Independent), Holly Little (Smithsonian Institution), Andrea Thomer (University of Arizona)

Abstract: Natural history collections constitute significant private and public investments of time and money and are vital to answering questions about climate, natural resources (e.g., critical minerals), past and modern biodiversity, and human history. Tracking the knowledge ecosystem derived from the use and re-use of these collections is a grand community challenge that must be addressed to safeguard scientific reproducibility and ethics, prevent duplicate scientific efforts, maximize the discoverability and reusability of collections, and accelerate scientific discoveries. While the use of globally unique persistent identifiers (PIDs) is often recommended for identifying specimens in the literature, this does not fully align with decades - even centuries - of practice in collections. Best practices and technology are needed to ensure unambiguous reference to specimens; and, importantly, these need to work within the realistic constraints and realities of natural history collections curation practices. In this session, we invite presentations showcasing how collections are using innovative approaches, technology, and/or persistent identifiers (e.g., ARKs, IGSNs) within their curatorial workflows to track the impact of collections and link the research products derived from them. We also encourage presentations that delve into curatorial workflows, challenges, and visions for the future of specimen citation and specimen metrics.

Format: Regular

Open/Closed: Open

Title: The (over) extended specimen: why are these data so difficult to share?

Organizer(s): David Bloom (University of North Carolina Greensboro), Katja Seltmann (Cheadle Center for Biodiversity & Ecological Restoration. UCSB), Rob Guralnick (Florida Museum of Natural History), Bryan McLean (University of North Carolina Greensboro)

Abstract: Sharing biodiversity data is crucial for advancing ecological research, conservation efforts, and understanding global biodiversity patterns and trends. We’ve become competent at the maintenance and publication of core specimen data, but we often struggle to disseminate extended data (i.e., phenotypes, molecular, and species interactions). Why? This symposium serves as an open forum to tease out the logistical and technical challenges of the extended specimen with the intent to find the reasons behind the current limitations of data-sharing practices and to identify practical solutions to address these obstacles. Participants will engage in discussions and group activities around technical, cultural, and infrastructural barriers that impede the exchange of extended specimen data. Topics may include the challenges with standardization of difficult or taxon-specific data, the fast adoption of digital technologies for searching and discovery (e.g., ML, LLMs), incentives for data sharing and curation or the causes for a lack thereof, and the role and limitations of collaborative platforms. Additionally, the symposium hopes to showcase successful case studies in which sharing extended data has led to otherwise unachievable results and a foundation for future research.

Format: This session will be a combination of lighting talks, demos, games, and discussion.

Open/Closed: Open

Title: Into the Arctos-verse: Connecting Data and Communities of Practice

Organizer(s): Michelle Koo (Museum of Vertebrate Zoology & Arctos Consortium), Emily Braker (University of Colorado Museum of Natural History & Arctos Consortium), Andrew Doll (Denver Museum of Nature & Science & Arctos Consortium)

Abstract: Arctos is a web-based, Linked Open Data-focused collection management system developed to explore, manage, connect, and mobilize global biodiversity, geodiversity, and cultural data. The platform currently supports more than 5.4 million records and >1 million media objects (images, documents, audio, video, CT scans) contributed by 62 institutions and 376 collections. As both a tool and a community, Arctos offers a uniquely participatory and nimble data model that engages consortium members to actively contribute to development that improves functionality, networking, and data quality across a shared infrastructure. In this symposium, we will introduce the rich environment of Arctos followed by talks that highlight Arctos’ innovative capabilities that enable extended specimen networks, track collection and research impacts, facilitate management of physical collections, and collaboratively improve data quality and discoverability, including new tools. The session will culminate in a panel forum where participants can connect, ask questions, and discuss how Arctos addresses topics on our collective sustainable futures: challenges and opportunities for modern collections from a data management perspective. We invite prospective and interested parties and members of the Arctos consortium to join us.

Format: Regular

Open/Closed: Closed

Title: Advancing Implementation of the CARE Principles

Organizer(s): Beckett Sterner, Krystal Tsosie (Arizona State University)

Abstract: The CARE Principles (Collective benefit, Authority to control, Responsibility, Ethics) set out key principles for the governance and use of Indigenous data. The principles provide a positive direction for natural history collections in stewarding their legacy collections and supporting Indigenous-led and collaborative research. A growing number of organizations and projects are now working on implementing the CARE Principles in conjunction with emerging best practices for Indigenous sovereignty and benefits sharing, especially through partnerships with local Indigenous communities. This session provides an opportunity for sharing insights and experiences in these efforts. Topics and practices include benefit sharing, identification of culturally relevant species, inclusive community-led research capacity and training, and incorporation of biocultural and traditional knowledge labeling for tracking provenance and stewardship best practices.

Format: Regular

Open/Closed: Open

Title: Creativity, Opportunity, and Innovation in Natural History Education and Outreach

Organizer(s): Shyla Davison, Elizabeth Ellwood (iDigBio)

Abstract: In recent years, education and outreach initiatives have expanded to take advantage of virtual and hybrid spaces that have become ever-present in our post-COVID lives. Digitization projects and natural history collections have launched successful educational campaigns on social media, hosted popular public events over Zoom, and have even leveraged current trends for museum outreach. Other projects have turned to innovative creations to share knowledge, such as mobile museums, summer camps, and other interesting activities to engage their audiences and broaden participation. This symposium will highlight specific projects, new opportunities, and initiatives that have developed creative approaches to engaging broad audiences in education and outreach as related to natural history institutions, collections, digitization, and digital data. Join us and discover innovative new tools and approaches that you can use for your research and institutional activities.

Format: Regular

Open/Closed: Open

Title: Sustainable Preservation and the Green Museum

Organizer(s): Tim White (Yale Peabody Museum  - retired) (co-sponsored by Delta/Brunzeel)

Abstract: Over the past 25 years many institutions have implemented changes to their facilities to better manage the risks associated with their collections, exhibits, and their facilities. Risk Assessment studies have helped institutions identify risks to their collections and methods to manage those risks. Temperature, relative humidity, and light are three environmental factors most associated with the preservation of museum collections. Improvements in building design and construction have had a significant impact on maintaining stable building environments housing collections. However, finding ways to manage these environments in an energy-efficient manner continues to be a challenge. With the help of storage furniture companies, many museums have developed and invested in conservation-approved cabinetry to properly house their collections in microclimates, providing another layer of protection to their valuable assets. This session looks to examine some of the practices developed over the past quarter century with an eye toward the future.

Format: Regular

Open/Closed: Open

Title: Repurposing Collections to Advance Regional to Global Biosecurity and Bioeconomy Needs

Organizer(s):Nico Franz (Biodiversity Institute)

Abstract: Biodiversity collections have new opportunities and societal responsibilities to act as repositories that support and advance regional to global biosecurity and bioeconomy needs. Within the former domain (biosecurity), collections and collections-based data can broadly interface with developments the biomedical sciences, human health programs, and the management of pathogen-borne diseases. In the latter domain (bioeconomy), collections-centered products can inform research and innovation in the life sciences, biotechnology and biomanufacturing, food security, and the mitigation of effects of climate change on ecosystems and environmental service industries. Realizing this potential for both biosectors will require designing and implementing new collections service models. Such models can facilitate increased societal recognition and support, leading to additional and diversified sustainability outcomes for collections. This symposium will engage representatives from biosecurity and bioeconomy communities, including governmental agencies, as well as collections leaders interested or engaged in advancing such new models. The intended focus is to broaden horizons and outline how future partnerships can be developed and strengthened.

Format: Regular

Open/Closed: Open

Title: Breaking Down the Big Challenge: Feasible Steps Towards Designing an Action Center for Biological Collections

Organizer(s):Nico Franz (Biodiversity Institute)

Abstract: In the United States, the passing of the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act created a mandate to establish an Action Center for Biological Collections (henceforth: Action Center) that will "facilitate coordination and data sharing among communities of practice for research, education, workforce training, evaluation, and business model development". Despite the national focus, the need to integrate and synergize existing biodiversity collections capacities and future actions is global. This symposium is therefore open to themes and efforts that advance such coordination at national-to-global scales. During the past two years, the U.S. community, led by iDigBio, has produced a white paper "Envisioning a Natural History Collections Action Center" (https://www.idigbio.org/content/envisioning-natural-history-collections-action-center), based on extensive community consultation including several webinars and workshops. The white paper identifies 15 programmatic goals to create an Action Center, many of which are featured in other SPNHC 2025 sessions. Nevertheless, this symposium is intended to give space to presenters motivated to further develop an Action Center prospect at the present state. What can collections communities expect and achieve – feasibly and in the immediate future – to begin breaking down a comprehensive concept into a parallel or sequential series of smaller components that constitute impactful progress? What gaps will remain?

Format: Regular

Open/Closed: Open