Deadline Date: August 03, 2026
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility is inviting organizations that manage DNA reference libraries to apply for funding to prepare their datasets for integration into GBIF’s global biodiversity data infrastructure under the SPLICE project.
The call supports the preparation of DNA reference libraries for integration into GBIF systems to enable improved use of environmental DNA and metabarcoding data. It focuses on standardizing molecular data, improving interoperability, supporting FAIR data practices, and enabling sequence-based biodiversity discovery through GBIF infrastructure.
Eligible applicants include research institutions, universities, museums, NGOs, government agencies, and private organizations that maintain DNA reference libraries used for taxonomic identification. Datasets must be openly licensed (CC0 or CC-BY) and suitable for formatting according to GBIF standards. Applicants must have the capacity to prepare and publish sequence data and implement GBIF technical requirements. Projects must be conducted by the applicant institution and submitted in English.
Selected projects may receive up to €10,000 for preparing and formatting existing DNA reference libraries for GBIF integration. Funding supports data preparation and documentation but excludes laboratory work, fieldwork, overheads, and similar indirect costs. Projects are expected to run for up to six months starting 1 October 2026, with payments linked to deliverables and participation in project coordination sessions.
Applications are reviewed by the GBIF Secretariat for eligibility and then evaluated by expert reviewers. Final selection is based on scientific relevance, data quality, taxonomic and sequence coverage, feasibility of integration, and potential for long-term usability and impact within GBIF systems.
For more information, visit GBIF.
