High definition digital microscope for accelerating Québec entomological research

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We are requesting a high-definition digital microscope for detailed morphological study and publication of insect specimen images. This equipment is critical to the successful launch of our nascent research programmes. First, it will catalog the specimens associated with multiplex barcoded insects, allowing us to study morphological, taxonomic, and genetic diversity across time and space. Second, it will allow us to properly document voucher material used in phylogenomic and museomic studies, create imagery for species descriptions and identification keys, and publish cyberspecimens that serve as globally-accessible reference specimens, thereby democratizing collections access. Third, it will deepen the budding collaboration between Québec's entomology research collections: a multi-institution project will digitally image the type specimens in the province's museums. The opportunity to initiate collaboration between the young and established researchers on the team is timely and will improve coordination and cooperation between Québec's insect collections. Additionally, the current global pandemic has exposed the precarious existence of many natural history museums, often resulting in a significant slow-down and even stoppage of research as museum access and the issuing of specimen loans are halted. The availability of digital imagery of type and other reference specimens would help maintain research activity during disruptions.      At least 38 HQP will use the microscope system in the first year alone. They will acquire training in new museological techniques and the best practices for natural history specimen and data curation. Research to be conducted by HQP will also focus on insect discovery, cataloguing, and diversification, of great interest to the agricultural industry (i.e. insect pests and biological control agents), environmental consulting firms, and regulatory agencies. These skills and knowledge are also highly valued in many governmental, non-governmental, and university research settings and will help HQP attain strong positions in their field.      The requested microscope fills a critical need not otherwise addressed with equipment currently available. It will normally reside at the Favret lab at the Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre (~2/3 time), where the Montreal Insectarium and Ouellet-Robert Collections share space and where collection managers from both institutions can ensure ease of access. The rest of the time (~1/3), the microscope will reside at the Gillung lab at McGill University's Lyman Entomological Museum or elsewhere for defined collaborative projects. The microscope system will permit new endeavours led by accomplished researchers in the fields of entomology, biodiversity, ecology, evolutionary biology, genomics and taxonomy. It will not only render insect collection data accessible, but it will also catalyze a growing collaborative effort between the entomological collections in Québec.