ERGA News #37 - April 2026
- 18 hours ago
- 3 min read
News
🛣️ ERGA Learning paths
ERGA is beginning the production of new Learning Paths to help make existing biodiversity genomics training materials easier to find, follow, and apply. Learning Paths provide a structured route through selected resources, helping learners understand where to start, what to focus on, and what to do next. Rather than developing multiple new courses from scratch, this approach will make better use of existing free online materials, including resources already available through the ERGA Knowledge Hub. It will also help increase the visibility of useful materials, reduce repetition across committee activities, support the adoption of standards and recommended practices, and identify genuine gaps where new training content may be needed in the future. The first two Learning Paths will focus on Unix and international permitting, developed respectively with the TKT Committee and the ELSI Committee. ERGA members interested in contributing to the development of these pilot Learning Paths are invited to contact the ERGA Secretariat.Â
🕵🏽 Survey on accessing biological collections for genomic research
The ERGA Sampling & Sample Processing Committee, together with Biodiversity Genomics Europe Plus, invites European biological collections to complete a short survey on how institutions handle external requests for biological material for genomics research. The survey will help quantify request volumes, identify the most frequently requested material types, and document current review practices, including SOPs, evaluation criteria, follow-up expectations, and how research outputs are tracked. Results will be analysed in aggregate and used to develop community guidelines on responsible access and processing of museum and biobank specimens for genomic research, as well as to support a manuscript currently in preparation. Please, share it among your network!!!
👩🏻‍💻 DSI Scientific Network Survey
The DSI Scientific Network is gathering input from researchers and practitioners working with digital sequence information to better understand how capacity building and non-monetary benefit sharing can support the use and generation of DSI. They invite researchers to complete a short 10-question survey exploring the most useful forms of support, including training, technology transfer, and scientific partnerships, as well as how non-monetary benefits are shared through research activities. The feedback collected will contribute to a policy brief for the DSI Scientific Network, to be showcased at the next UN Biodiversity SBI meeting in August. Responses are requested by 15 May. The survey is available in English (⬇), French https://forms.gle/13wCfEWLDjafNTyb9, and Spanish https://forms.gle/fiWFF2Xe6Em4zDz26.
Join the new ERGA Pangenomes Working Group!
We are excited to confirm the new ERGA Pangenomes Working Group, starting on May 25th during the DAC regular meeting (11:00 CEST). Open to beginners and experts alike, this group will focus on one of the most pressing challenges in the field of pangenomes, which is the need for standards. We also want to create a space to share ideas, discuss best practices, and learn from each other’s experiences. ERGA is a bottom-up community, and everyone’s perspective is welcome. Whether you are just getting started or already working in this area, we would love to build this together with you!
SMBE 2026 - Let's connect!
ERGA is proud to support SMBE 2026 as a sponsor. The ERGA Awards have already been granted, and we will soon share more about the winners. If you are joining the meeting, stop by the ERGA booth. We would love to meet you and connect in person!!
Events
4-8 May - Heraklion, Crete
6-10 July - Leiden, The Netherlands
31 August - 3 September | Geneva, Switzerland
2nd Molluscan Genomics Workshop
30 August - 3 September | Frankfurt, Germany
21-25 September | Oslo, Norway / Hybrid
9-13 November | Barcelona, Spain
Featured conferences with sessions organized by ERGA members:
Are you attending events or organizing sessions/workshops not listed here? Let us know here, we can help you reach more attendees from the biodiversity genomics community!
From the #ERGABlog: watch and explore
🦟 How can reference genomes and population genomics support more targeted mosquito control?
Watch Maria José Ruiz López discuss a BGE case study on Culex mosquitoes in southern Spain, exploring vectorial capacity, insecticide resistance, and how genomic insights can inform public health strategies.
🌸 What can Cistus crispus tell us about Mediterranean ecosystems after fire?
Watch Yohan Pillon present Cistus crispus, a Mediterranean pioneer shrub selected through the ERGA-BGE Community-Driven Genomes effort, and discuss its potential for studying post-fire germination and plant–fungus interactions.
Useful links
HAVE ANYTHING TO SHARE? Click and Submit to ERGANews!
Click here to become an ERGA Member
Public EVENTS calendar here - add this to your Calendar or iCalendar!
đź’¬ Follow us on social media!
