The challenge:
DPI holds over half a million preserved biosecurity specimens across two collections: Insect & Mite Collection and Plant Pathology & Mycology Herbarium. These specimens are stored along with their physical records across key DPI research sites in Orange and Western Sydney.
There are over 130,000 specimens with an estimated value of $100million. The true value of these collections can only be realised through increasing accessibility of these collections.
The approach:
Leveraged support through the NSW Government funding program for "World Class Research Institute Food & Fibre" to create one central digital platform for DPI’s biosecurity specimens housed. Taking a future focussed organisation-wide approach to plan for change in practice for DPI researchers.
The outcome:
As a key reference collection for pest and disease diagnosis, DPI's samples play a critical role in maintaining Australia's trade. Creating high quality digital records is improving the accessibility of our biological samples for rapid diagnosis, meaning that we are far better prepared for a biosecurity emergency than we have ever been. DPI is examining further opportunities to store collections on behalf of other agencies and the private sector.
For further information on the collections : https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/services/collections
