Greetings Everyone,

With the recent release of NSF’s Advancing Digitization of Biological Collections (ADBC) the biological collections and bioinformatics communities have been a flurry of activity. Many questions are being asked about this solicitation and it’s implications in practice and theory.

The potential consequences of this solicitation, both positive and otherwise, are exceptionally important to the success of national digitization efforts in the short and long terms.  For this reason, it is critical that the museum and research communities, especially individuals and institutions who work with biological collections and informatics, begin a community-wide conversation.  To this end, we invite all interested parties to visit a blog created specifically for this purpose.

http://nsfadbc.wordpress.com/

This blog is intended to provide a public forum for members of the community to learn, ask questions, and share ideas about ADBC.  Most importantly, this blog will provide an opportunity for ADBC applicants to present their intentions for and philosophies behind proposed Home Uniting Biocollections (HUB) and Thematic Collections Networks (TCNs) submissions to the ADBC, to the larger community.

Ultimately, we want to see the creation of and funding for the best possible HUB and associated TCNs. A HUB/TCN that is a recognized asset to the community with the ability to inspire and exemplify innovation and support the advancement of digitization across the United States.