Scientific collections make up the basic support infrastructure for scientific development and technological innovation in the areas of biodiversity, the environment, anthropology, health and agriculture. This subject will be the theme of the “1^st ColDigi Workshop,” to be held with the support of the School of Applied Mathematics (FGV EMAp) on August 26 and 27, starting at 8 am, in the 12^th-floor auditorium in FGV’s main building, at Praia de Botafogo, 190, Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro.

The workshop will discuss the latest developments related to the natural history and anthropological collections held by the National Museum and related institutions, as well as new digital technologies that have been incorporated in recent years. The London Natural History Museum is a leader in this area. During the workshop, it will make a presentation about wide-ranging initiatives involving natural history data at European museums and scientific institutions as part of the DISSCO and Synthesys projects.

In this context, strategic initiatives related to the digitalization, safeguarding and provision of collection data in open platforms have been a trend in recent years. Such measures, combined with new digital technologies, enable the fast and reliable classification of archives, and provide efficient management procedures in which samples and associated information can be traced. They are essential to the promotion of data preservation and accessibility by conferring greater longevity through secure storage and reduced handling.

The workshop will also debate how open access to data hugely increases institutions’ visibility and relevance, allowing more interaction between collections and heritage policies involving scientific and cultural preservation and diffusion.

For more information and to sign up, visit the workshop’s website.