Biodiversity Informatics Program

The Biodiversity Informatics Program is led by Jason Best.

Vision & Purpose

The mission of the Biodiversity Informatics program at FWBG|BRIT is to empower and advance biodiversity research through data, technology, and innovative techniques and to broaden scientific knowledge through the extraction, management, dissemination, and preservation of biodiversity data.

Program/Area Summary

The Biodiversity Informatics program’s primary responsibilities are to facilitate the creation and dissemination of biodiversity data and to employ best practices and innovative technologies to increase efficiency, ensure adherence to data standards, improve data quality, and ensure the discoverability, reusability, and preservation of the institution’s biodiversity data.

Short-Term Goals

• Establish and expand the FWBG/BRIT Data Repository.
• Ensure data meet FAIR goals of Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability
• Increase efficiency and accuracy of specimen digitization through improved workflows
• Apply advanced computer vision and natural language processing technologies to more effectively extract and analyze biodiversity data
• Facilitate the management and preservation of living collection data by helping re-establish and enhance data collection protocols and platform

Long-Term Goals and Aspirations

• Establish and maintain a robust and comprehensive data repository to ensure long-term accessibility and preservation of biodiversity data.
• Fully mobilize the data from all BRIT herbarium specimens (imaged, transcribed, parsed, georeferenced, and disseminated online through data portals).
• Fully integrate collections platforms for managing and disseminating FWBG/BRIT collection data and images to the public and research communities.
  • Herbarium
  • Living Collections
  • Biorepository
  • Seed Bank
  • Library and Archives
  • Art
  • Media and General Data (SEM images, photomicrographs, etc.)
  • Links to community scientist observation records (iNaturalist, etc.)
• Establish a Collections Exhibit platform which draws on FWBG/BRIT collections to provide engaging educational content knowledge sharing with the public.
• Engage in and support the goals and efforts of the Extended Specimen Network.