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

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 the widescale use of genomics in evolutionary and conservation biology. 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 the four associated activity streams (reference genomes, phylogenomics, conservation genomics and training), with the rationale and aims for each of these. We show, through discussion of 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.