RBGKEW1308 Expanding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in root fungal colonisation assessment

Concepts

• research and development
• richmond
• root fungal colonisation assessment
• more complex field root samples
• plant roots
• roots
• fungal colonisation
• artificial intelligence
• use
• assess

Location

Hounslow and Richmond upon Thames

Description

RBG Kew require a consultancy service, to expand the work developed during phase 1, to adapt AMFinder, an AI visualisation tool developed by Evangelisti et al (2021) to assess fungal-colonisation, for use with more complex field root samples. The work in phase 2 would focus on improving the accuracy of the outputs that AMFinder generates and expanding its functionality to detect different mycorrhizal types. This will build on the preliminary work carried out in phase 1, exploring the potential of a semi-supervised learning approach, and improving the user experience of the tool, by editing the dashboard interfaces and developing pipelines. The AMFinder tool should provide a method for rapid quantification of fungal colonisation in plant roots. Input to the tool will be images of ink-stained fungal structures inside roots mounted on microscopy slides, taken with a digital slide scanner (Panoramic Midi II) at RBG Kew. Adherence to data regulation and standards is essential.

Total Quantity or Scope

The total contract value for the Core Work Requirements is £250,000 excluding VAT. Tenders above this value will be excluded. Additional Work Requirements are subject to the needs of RBGKEW and will also form part of the contract. The total contract value is anticipated to be between £200,000 - £500,000 excluding VAT.

Renewal Options

The contract may be extended by up to 31.03.2026 depending on the requirements of RBGKEW.

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

Indicators

• Bids should cover the whole contract.
• Options are available.
• Renewals are not available.
• Award on basis of price.

Other Information

For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal at: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Richmond:-Research-and-development... To respond to this opportunity, please click here: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/respond/ZETY78UYK8 GO Reference: GO-2024716-PRO-26900999