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The Genomics for Australian Plants (GAP) framework initiative – developing genomic resources for understanding the evolution and conservation of the Australian flora.

Lalita Simpson, David Cantrill, Margaret Byrne, Theodore Allnutt, Graham King, Mabel Lum, Ziad Al Bkhetan, Rose Andrew, William Baker, Matthew Barrett , Jacqueline Batley, Oliver Berry, Rachel Binks, Jason Bragg, Linda Broadhurst, Gillian Brown, Jeremy Bruhl , Richard Edwards, Scott Ferguson , Felix Forest, Ove Gustafsson, Timothy Hammer , Gareth Holmes , Christopher Jackson, Liz James, Ashley Jones , Paul Kersey, Ilia Leitch, Olivier Maurin, Todd McLay, Daniel Murphy, Katharina Nargar , Lars Nauheimer , Herve Sauquet, Alexander Schmidt-Lebuhn , Kelly Shepherd, Anna Syme, Michelle Waycott , Trevor Wilson , Darren Crayn

Abstract

The generation and analysis of genome-scale data—genomics—is driving a rapid increase in plant biodiversity knowledge. However, the speed and complexity of technological advance in genomics presents challenges for its widescale use in evolutionary and conservation biology. Here, we introduce and describe a national-scale collaboration conceived to build genomic resources and capability for understanding the Australian flora: the Genomics for Australian Plants (GAP) Framework Initiative. We outline (a) the history of the project including the collaborative framework, partners, and funding; (b) GAP principles such as rigour in design, sample verification and documentation, data management, and data accessibility; and (c) the structure of the consortium and its four activity streams (reference genomes, phylogenomics, conservation genomics, and training), with the rationale and aims for each of them. We show, through discussion of its successes and challenges, the value of this multi-institutional consortium approach and the enablers, such as well-curated collections and national collaborative research infrastructure, all of which have led to a substantial increase in capacity and delivery of biodiversity knowledge outcomes.

SB24022  Accepted 13 March 2025

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