Call for Proposals: Preparing DNA Reference Libraries for GBIF Integration

Deadline: 03-Aug-2026

The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) is offering funding through the SPLICE project to support organizations that manage DNA reference libraries in preparing their datasets for integration into GBIF’s global biodiversity infrastructure. The initiative strengthens the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) and metabarcoding data by improving data standardization, interoperability, and FAIR data practices.

Eligible organizations can receive up to €10,000 to format and prepare existing molecular datasets for GBIF integration. Projects run for up to six months starting October 1, 2026, and focus on data preparation rather than fieldwork or laboratory research.

What Is the GBIF SPLICE Project Funding Call?

The GBIF SPLICE (Standardising and Publishing Linked Interoperable Collections of Environment-related DNA Evidence) project funding call supports the integration of DNA reference libraries into the Global Biodiversity Information Facility infrastructure.

The goal is to improve the usability of molecular biodiversity data by making it interoperable, standardized, and openly accessible for global research and environmental monitoring.

Key Purpose of the Call

• Integrate DNA reference libraries into GBIF systems
• Support environmental DNA (eDNA) and metabarcoding research
• Improve global biodiversity data accessibility
• Strengthen FAIR data principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable)
• Enhance sequence-based species identification and discovery

Focus Areas of the Funding Call

The funding is designed to improve the quality and usability of molecular biodiversity datasets.

Core Technical and Scientific Focus

• Standardization of DNA reference libraries
• Data formatting for GBIF integration
• Interoperability of molecular biodiversity data
• Improvement of metadata quality
• Alignment with GBIF data standards

Biodiversity and Research Applications

• Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis
• Metabarcoding data usage
• Taxonomic identification using sequence data
• Biodiversity monitoring and discovery
• Global ecosystem research support

Data Infrastructure Goals

• Integration into GBIF global database systems
• Long-term usability of molecular datasets
• Improved data discoverability
• Strengthened biodiversity informatics infrastructure

Who Can Apply?

The funding call is open to institutions that manage DNA reference libraries.

Eligible Organizations

• Research institutions
• Universities
• Natural history museums
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• Government agencies
• Private organizations

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Maintain DNA reference libraries used for taxonomic identification
• Have datasets suitable for open publication
• Demonstrate capacity for GBIF data formatting and publication
• Apply as an institution (not individuals)
• Submit proposals in English

Data and Licensing Requirements

All datasets must meet open-access and technical standards.

Mandatory Conditions

• Data must be openly licensed under CC0 or CC-BY
• Must be suitable for GBIF data standards
• Must include molecular sequence data and metadata
• Must be prepared for integration into global infrastructure
• Must support FAIR data principles

Exclusions

• Proprietary or restricted datasets are not eligible
• Non-shareable or closed-license data is not accepted

Funding Details

The SPLICE funding supports data preparation and integration activities.

Grant Information

• Maximum funding per project: €10,000
• Project duration: Up to 6 months
• Start date: 1 October 2026
• Payment structure: Based on deliverables

Eligible Costs

Funding can be used for:

• Data preparation
• Metadata standardization
• Dataset formatting
• Documentation for GBIF integration
• Participation in coordination sessions

Non-Eligible Costs

Funding cannot be used for:

• Laboratory work
• Fieldwork activities
• Indirect costs or overheads
• Non-data-related expenses

Project Scope and Activities

The funding is strictly focused on preparing existing datasets for integration.

Expected Activities

• Cleaning and structuring DNA reference datasets
• Aligning data with GBIF technical standards
• Enhancing metadata completeness
• Ensuring taxonomic consistency
• Preparing datasets for open publication

Collaboration Requirements

• Participation in project coordination sessions
• Compliance with GBIF technical guidance
• Delivery of structured outputs within timelines

Application and Selection Process

Applications undergo a structured multi-stage review process.

Step 1: Eligibility Screening

• Conducted by GBIF Secretariat
• Verifies organizational eligibility
• Confirms dataset suitability

Step 2: Expert Evaluation

Applications are assessed by expert reviewers based on:

• Scientific relevance
• Data quality and completeness
• Taxonomic and sequence coverage
• Technical feasibility
• Alignment with GBIF standards

Step 3: Final Selection

• Based on combined expert evaluation
• Focus on long-term usability and integration potential
• Prioritizes high-impact biodiversity datasets

Evaluation Criteria

Selected projects are those that best support global biodiversity data integration.

Key Assessment Factors

• Quality of DNA reference libraries
• Relevance to biodiversity research
• Completeness of taxonomic coverage
• Compatibility with GBIF infrastructure
• Potential for long-term scientific use
• Technical readiness for publication
• Contribution to global biodiversity knowledge

Why This Funding Matters

The SPLICE project strengthens global biodiversity data systems by improving access to high-quality molecular datasets.

Scientific Importance

• Enhances DNA-based species identification
• Supports environmental DNA research
• Improves biodiversity monitoring accuracy
• Strengthens global taxonomic reference systems

Data Infrastructure Impact

• Expands GBIF’s global biodiversity database
• Improves interoperability across datasets
• Advances FAIR data adoption
• Enables large-scale ecological analysis

Conservation and Policy Relevance

• Supports evidence-based conservation
• Improves ecosystem monitoring
• Enhances global biodiversity assessments
• Strengthens environmental decision-making

Best Practices for Applicants

To improve selection chances, applicants should ensure:

• High-quality and well-documented DNA datasets
• Clear alignment with GBIF data standards
• Strong taxonomic coverage and metadata completeness
• Demonstrated readiness for data publication
• Clear and feasible project planning
• Strong institutional capacity for data management

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the GBIF SPLICE funding call?

It is a funding initiative supporting the preparation of DNA reference libraries for integration into GBIF’s global biodiversity data infrastructure.

Who can apply?

Research institutions, universities, museums, NGOs, government agencies, and private organizations managing DNA reference libraries.

How much funding is available?

Up to €10,000 per project.

What is the project duration?

Projects can last up to six months starting from October 1, 2026.

What types of costs are covered?

Only data preparation, formatting, and documentation activities. Fieldwork and lab work are not funded.

What licensing is required?

Data must be openly licensed under CC0 or CC-BY.

What is the main goal of the program?

To integrate DNA reference libraries into GBIF systems to improve global biodiversity data accessibility and usability.

Conclusion

The GBIF SPLICE project funding call provides targeted support for organizations working with DNA reference libraries to prepare their datasets for global integration. By improving data standardization and interoperability, the initiative strengthens the use of environmental DNA in biodiversity research and enhances the global scientific infrastructure managed by GBIF.

This funding opportunity plays a key role in advancing FAIR data practices and enabling more accurate, large-scale biodiversity analysis worldwide.

For more information, visit GBIF.