Australian Avian Genomics Initiative – Request for Partnership guidelines

BACKGROUND

Australia is home to approximately 830 species of birds, of which 43% are endemics that are only found here. There have been substantial efforts, particularly internationally, in avian genomics and phylogenomics. However, central gaps remain in the reference data available for Australian bird species.

The Australian Avian Genomics Initiative aims to build a foundation of genomic data to advance our understanding and conservation of Australia’s unique bird species. This durable data resource generated by the initiative will include gap-filling reference genomes for Australian representatives of all bird families in Australia, and increase capacity for cutting-edge studies using phylogenomic, population genomic, and other ‘omic approaches.

Our aim is to accelerate research in bird genomics in areas where Australia is uniquely placed to make its mark on the world stage. We are promoting a focus on understanding the evolution of traits. Especially traits that are uniquely Australian or those that impact on species survival and adaptation to Australia’s harsh environments. For example: What are the genomic underpinnings of drought tolerance or non-tolerance, adaptation to the arid zone, detection of infrasound (how waterbirds locate water after rainfall events)? Are there common genetic controls of plumage evolution and plumage mimicry? Vocal mimicry? What has driven the evolution of traits involved in the co-evolution of birds and plants, or in nectarivory, co-operative breeding, construction of mud nests or migration and nomadism and the spectrum in-between those extremes?

We also aim to support the promotion of novel and innovative research using genomic approaches to meet critical biodiversity and conservation needs. From better understanding the prevalence of avian diseases in reservoir species, to estimating extinction risk for data-deficient species, and accelerating the discovery and resolution of species, subspecies, and genetically distinct populations for conservation management.

A FOCUS ON ADVANCING OUR KNOWLEDGE OF AUSTRALIA’S UNIQUE BIRDS

This Request for Partnership is a non-competitive, collaborative, opportunity to create referential biomolecular data to help Australia’s birds.

The following themes represent some examples where biomolecular data can bring substantial value to research. Partnership projects are not expected to address all of these topics, and we will consider other topics not listed here.

RESEARCH THEMES

o Adaptation to Australia’s unique environments
o Evolution of traits
o Invasive species
o Avian disease
o Conservation efforts with applied use
o Genomic resources for poorly understood and data-deficient species/subspecies
o Taxonomy, species identification, biodiversity investigation

A review of existing genomics resources available for Australian relevant bird species was conducted. Australia hosts 107 families of birds covering 968 species. An updated audit of existing reference genomes for Australian birds showed that out of the 107 families of birds found in Australia, only 5 families of native or endemic birds lack Australian representative reference genomes. At lower taxonomies, 35 out of a total of 413 genera and 59 out of a total of 968 species lacked genus-level reference genome resources. Filling these gaps in referential data and strengthening other species with poor genomics resources would significantly enhance our understanding of genomics, ecology, and behaviour for species and functional traits unique to Australia.

This shows the increasing worldwide effort in generating genomic reference information. Proposals targeting the 5 families lacking referential genomics data will be looked at favourably in the context of their scientific merit. These families are Machaerirhynchidae, Otididae, Paradisaeidae, Rostratulidae, and Strigopidae (extinct). We will also look favourably on proposals targeting the remaining 35 Australian/Endemic genera without reference genomes (see appendix at the end of this document), including the near-threatened, endangered and vulnerable species from the genera Amytornis, Erythrotriorchis, Heteromyias, Ptiloris, and Rostratula.

REQUEST FOR PARTNERSHIP

Projects are encouraged to target an applied theme and will be assessed based on the following criteria
o Project team: contains the expertise to complete the project and collaborates with relevant stakeholders, including industry or collection partners. Projects submitted to this RFP must be led and carried out by an Australian-based team. However, international collaborations are permitted.
o Rationale: designed to enhance knowledge of Australia’s birds by the generation of novel, broad utility (reusable) data
o Timely sample availability: access to existing samples, or the ability to collect samples in a timely manner (with a detailed timeline), that are suitable for extracting the necessary material
o Co-contribution: the team must be capable of marshalling the resources necessary to complement Bioplatforms Australia project investment (biomolecular data generation and access to high-end compute resources – NCI and Pawsey), in order to bring the project to completion. Sample collection and data analysis are to be supported by co-investment (in time) from the researcher. The ability to conduct value-add analyses is highly desirable.
o Scale of the request: The scale of support will ensure a return on Bioplatforms national investment according to the initiative’s objectives.

It should be noted that this is not a competitive grant opportunity and the Australian Avian Genomics Initiative will endeavour to support projects that aim to enhance Australia’s knowledge and application of birds. Project assessment will be guided by Bioplatforms Australia facilities and the Australian Avian Genomics Advisory Committee. The generation of omics resources will be done through the Bioplatforms network of facilities in Australia and preparative activities should be done in an Australian-based setting.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLYING

1. Please ensure you have read all information on this page before completing your application.
2. Complete the online form here and submit one document per species or activity. For preparation purposes, you can find a downloadable template here.
3. Address all criteria/questions listed, you will be able to edit* the form after its submission and until the deadline.
   *Please note that you are able to edit this form after its submission and until the deadline if logged in with a Gmail account. A non-Gmail account unfortunately cannot access this feature.
4. Deadline: COB Friday 17 April 2026

CONTACT INFORMATION

Dr Sophie Mazard, Project Manager smazard@bioplatforms.com

We welcome collaboration and parties interested in participating in the AVIAN initiative, including this RFP, are encouraged to get in contact with the AVIAN Program Manager (Sophie Mazard).

APPENDIX
List of Australian relevant genera lacking a reference genome based on species found in Australia.

**extinct in Australia