At PacBio, we see genomics as a powerful way to help protect Earth’s biodiversity. Around the world, researchers are working to sequence tens of thousands of species, gaining insights into evolution, complex traits, and genetic diversity. This knowledge plays a key role in conservation efforts, helping to sustain ecosystems and the species within them.
To support this mission, we launched the SMRT Conserve grant program last year, offering free HiFi sequencing with Hi-C. The responses blew us away with so many innovative projects focused on endangered vertebrates. Today, we’re excited to share the winners of this year’s grant.
Winner: Luke Campillo, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Analyst, Hawaiʻi Cooperative Studies Unit, University of Hawaii – https://bsky.app/profile/lcampillo.bsky.social
Species to sequence: Hawaiʻi ʻamakihi (Chlorodrepanis virens); ʻIʻiwi (Drepanis coccinea)
Project title: Trouble in paradise: Leveraging Hi-C reference genomes in the race to save Hawaiian Honeycreepers from extinction
Project overview: Nearly 3/4 of species in the Hawaiian Honeycreeper adaptive radiation are extinct and the remaining ones are disappearing fast. One of the biggest threats is avian malaria and the comorbid complications that come with infection. Survival rates vary dramatically between species—for example, the critically endangered Laysan Finch has a mortality rate of over 95%, while more than 80% of Hawaii Amakihi survive. This project aims to generate reference genomes from both a “malaria-susceptible” and a “malaria-resistant” species. With PacBio long reads and Hi-C sequencing, researchers have a unique opportunity to map the genomic factors that influence survival in this iconic bird group. But time is running out.
Winner: Iris Segura-García, PhD
Senior Research Fellow, Florida Atlantic University (FAU), Harbor Branch – ResearchGate
Species to sequence: Spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus)
Project Title: Using PacBio HiFi sequencing to investigate the mechanisms that facilitate evolutionary rescue and support sustainable fisheries and environmental health
Project Overview: Effective fisheries management is essential for food security, biodiversity, and ecosystem health. But for overexploited populations—like Florida’s declining spotted seatrout—traditional population genetics alone isn’t enough to turn the tide. This project proposes using PacBio HiFi sequencing to explore evolutionary rescue, a growing field that identifies key functional genomic variants linked to survival in specific environments. By understanding how individuals adapt to changing ocean conditions, researchers can uncover pathways for population recovery, support long-term sustainability of coastal fish species, and identify habitats for restoration.
Winner: Pierre Charruau, PhD
Researcher, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, LinkedIn
Species to sequence: American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus)
Project Title: Genomic insights into saltwater crocodile adaptation and speciation: Conservation implications for the Caribbean islands
Project Overview: This project aims to explore the genome of the saltwater crocodiles of Banco Chinchorro atoll. Using PacBio whole genome sequencing, researchers aim to uncover hidden genetic diversity, speciation patterns, and adaptations that help these crocodiles thrive in hypersaline island environments within the Mesoamerican Reef. Part of a long-term research effort spanning 21 years and 26 publications, this study seeks to gather the genomic evidence needed to reclassify this protected population as a new species. The results will contribute to the conservation of mangrove habitats and the co-occurring species in Caribbean islands of Mexico.
Winner: Vahap Eldem
Associate Professor of Biology, Istanbul University – Website
Species to sequence: Angelshark (Squatina squatina)
Project Title: Chromosome-scale reference genome analysis of the critically endangered Angelshark (Squatina squatina) provides insights into conservation and management efforts
Project Overview: The Angelshark is one of the most endangered shark species on the planet, teetering on the brink of extinction. Listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, its populations have been severely depleted across both the Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas.
A high-quality reference genome is a crucial tool for conservation, helping researchers protect species on the verge of disappearing. So far, over 900 million short reads have been generated to characterize the Angelshark genome. To take this effort further, this project proposes using PacBio HiFi sequencing alongside Hi-C to build a chromosome-scale genome assembly in order to help safeguard the future of this species.
Winner: Zulqarnain Mohamed
Professor, Institute of Biological Science, Universiti Malaya
Species to sequence: Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus)
Project title: Determination of species identity of selected endangered coastal dolphins in Malaysia
Project overview: We have collected around 20 biopsy samples from Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in the Straits of Malacca. But sequencing of the D-loop regions suggests something unexpected—the species identity may not be accurate, as these sequences differ significantly from those in GenBank. Then came sample ZQ41. Unlike the others, its D-loop sequencing closely matched Sousa chinensis in GenBank. If ZQ41 is the only true Sousa chinensis, what does that mean for the rest? This project aims to use PacBio sequencing to help provide a more definitive answer, helping to clarify the species identity of Malaysian coastal dolphins.
How to apply for PacBio grants
The PacBio Grant Program gives researchers worldwide the opportunity to access complimentary PacBio sequencing for a wide range of genomics projects.
To apply, simply find an active grant program that fits your research focus and complete an application explaining how PacBio sequencing would support your work. A panel of experts carefully reviews each submission, and selected winners receive free sequencing—often including consumables, library preparation, and preliminary bioinformatics—through an authorized sequencing service provider (terms and conditions apply).
For the 2024 SMRT Conserve grant, we’re grateful to our sequencing provider and co-sponsors, the Colossal Foundation and the Vertebrate Genome Laboratory of Rockefeller University for their support.
These grants are open to all areas of life sciences research. Whether you’re studying microbiomes, cancer, endangered species, or the hidden complexities of the human genome, there’s a grant designed to help move your work forward.