IGN 8

Enhancing Ecological Research with iDigBio Biological Specimen Data

In this Ignite Session, we highlight research being done with biological specimen data, with an emphasis on data from iDigBio (Integrated Digitized Biocollections; http://www.idigibio.org). We will include data management strategies that are used to digitize, access, share, analyze, archive, update, and publish biodiversity data. The opportunities and challenges of working with biodiversity specimen data are numerous and widely applicable across ecological fields. Specimen collections include centuries of information from every corner of the globe. As a result, this rich, deep data source includes data collected in a wide range of formats, languages, media, accuracy, precision, and completeness. Using these data therefore requires an interdisciplinary approach that incorporates international standards and protocols. As with many forms of data management, these efforts must be forward thinking to anticipate the needs of future researchers and the capabilities of future technologies. The session will begin with an introduction to iDigBio within the framework of the larger biodiversity collections community. Speakers will then present information on best practices in field-based data collection, publishing datasets, and examples from research groups that have successfully used biodiversity specimen data to answer challenging questions. The broad range of applications of biodiversity data in ecological research and the benefits of collaboration will be explored. The session will include information on the ways ecologists and biodiversity specimen collections can work together to improve data quality and enhance research.