DENVER/June 22 - Morris Animal Foundation announces, in partnership with Revive & Restore, a new funding opportunity for studies on genomic sequencing and/or biobanking for the protection and management of amphibian wildlife.
The Wild Genomes funding call is focused on species belonging to the three orders of amphibians. From caecilians to salamanders to frogs, all species qualify. Proposals should describe a conservation-oriented effort that will benefit substantially from genomic sequencing and biobanking.
“Wild Genomes is designed to accelerate the genomic sequencing and biobanking of species with a clear conservation need,” said Dr. Janet Patterson-Kane, Morris Animal Foundation Chief Scientific Officer. “We are excited to partner with Revive & Restore to help fund projects that can make a real difference for at-risk amphibian species. Through this program, we aim to put the fundamental tools of genetic rescue into the hands of people who manage wildlife.”
Potential projects will be evaluated according to timeliness and urgency, the ecological role of the targeted species (e.g., keystone species), the species’ role in ecosystem services, and the intended use of the data.
“Partnering with Morris Animal Foundation is a positive step forward for Revive & Restore as well as endangered species everywhere that will benefit from our combined efforts,” said Bridget Baumgartner, Director of Research & Development with Revive & Restore. “Both our organizations have unique strengths but a shared mission to improve animal health through innovative science.”
Applications for the Wild Genomes amphibians topic are due August 19, 2022, 4:59 p.m. ET.
Interested researchers should apply here, and can learn more at Revive & Restore. Applications will be reviewed and rated, based on impact and scientific rigor, by a scientific review board made up of subject matter experts.
About Morris Animal Foundation
Morris Animal Foundation’s mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Denver, the Foundation has invested more than $142 million to date in nearly 3,000 studies to advance the health and well-being of animals around the world.
About Revive & Restore
Revive & Restore is the leading wildlife conservation organization promoting the incorporation of biotechnologies into standard conservation practice. Revive & Restore was founded in 2012 and is developing the Genetic Rescue Toolkit through a broad portfolio of projects supported through its Catalyst Science Fund.
Wild Genomes Scientific Review Board:
- Chair, Bridgett M. vonHoldt, PhD, Princeton University
- Dirk Werling, DVM, DrMedVet, PhD, FVH, CI, FHEA, MRCVS, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London
- Mark A. Mitchell, DVM, MS, PhD, DECZM (Herpetology), Louisiana State University
- Robert R. Fitak, PhD, University of Central Florida
- Jacob Brandenburg, Pacific Biosciences
- Mark Daly, Dovetail Genomics
- Tom Chase, Village and Wilderness Project
- Tom Maloney, Ojai Valley Land Conservancy
- Vance Vredenburg, PhD, San Francisco State University
- Umilaela Arifin, PhD, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Germany
Media Contact: Kelly Diehl
