The International Plant Sentinel Network Small Grants Scheme is open for applications!

Applications to be received by 19 August, 2022

The International Plant Sentinel Network (IPSN) was established in 2013 as a collaboration between botanic gardens and arboreta (BG&A) and plant health scientists around the world. The IPSN is coordinated by BGCI and supported in the UK by Defra Plant Health. The IPSN aims to improve the longer-term ability to prevent new pests arriving in the UK, detecting them earlier and responding effectively to manage impact, as well as identifying opportunities to build capacity and access external expertise.

As part of a three-year programme of activities in the UK, the IPSN is offering three small grants to botanic gardens / individuals to carry out three independent studies. The aim of these studies is to provide background information for, and support the development of the IPSN in the UK. The studies also aim to provide capacity building opportunities for young researchers within the plant collection community in the UK. BGCI will provide access to all necessary background data and will provide technical support to facilitate the completion of the studies.

1. Biosecurity gaps and needs in UK plant collections

This study will involve a survey of the biosecurity facilities and capacity across UK plant collections. It will highlight best practice examples and case studies and identify major gaps and needs in biosecurity operations. The information gathered will be used to develop a suite of training and capacity building resources and will support the development of a biosecurity standard for botanic gardens and other collections.

2. An inventory of tree species in UK collections

This study will involve the gathering of data on key tree species present in UK collections. The focus will be on species native to Australia and New Zealand, with a view to developing opportunities for reciprocal research between the UK and Australia / New Zealand. Data gathered will be entered into BGCI’s PlantSearch database.

3. A survey of potentially invasive species in UK plant collections

This study will aim to identify non-native species that have the potential to become invasive in the UK. This will be based on a survey of gardens to identify taxa in collections that have spread from their original sites of cultivation into adjacent areas. This study will provide a link to the working group Public Gardens as Sentinels against Invasive Plants (PGSIP) that has been established in the US and will assess the potential to adopt their guidelines in the UK.

Applications:

Applications are invited from individuals / botanic gardens in the UK providing the following information:

• Clearly stating which study the application is for;
• A letter detailing relevant experience and expertise to carry out the study, including a brief overview of the approach that would be taken to complete the study;
• A CV for the person who will be leading the study.

Priority will be given to early-career researchers/horticulturalists.
Applications to be sent to info@bgci.org by 19 August, 2022.

Terms of Reference

The grants will be awarded according to the following terms and conditions:

Funding:

• A sum of £5,000 will be awarded for each grant. Half the sum will be paid at the start of the study and half on receipt and acceptance of a final report.

Timing

• The work supported under each grant is to be completed by 30 November, 2022

Supervision

• The work will be carried out under the supervision of BGCI’s Director of Global Programmes with day-to-day management carried out by the IPSN Officer;
• Grantees will be expected to agree a detailed work plan with BGCI before commencing the study;
• Grantees will be expected to arrange a schedule of regular meetings with BGCI during the period of the grant;
• Grantees will be expected to sign a contract with BGCI detailing the full Terms and Conditions of the grant.