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29–31 October 2025 Summary 🗓️ Dates:  29 - 31 October 2025 ( click to add to your agenda! ) 🔗 Online venue: ERGA YouTube Channel We are excited to announce the Genomics for Biodiversity Conference  organised by ERGA-BGE, which will be held on October 29 - 31 and transmitted live through the ERGA YouTube channel . Participation is free of charge. ✉️ Click to sign up & receive event updates in your inbox! The event aims to bring together researchers and other stakeholders interested in applied biodiversity genomics and will showcase how it can have an impact on real-world issues, focusing primarily on biodiversity conservation and the bioeconomy.   Programme Through two and a half days, the conference will include: Keynote talks  - addressing the links between biodiversity genomics, policy, and society. Check the list of keynote speakers below: Alessio Iannucci: Integrating reference genomes and cytogenomics to support the design of wildlife management and conservation programs Dr. Alessio Iannucci, currently a research fellow at the University of Florence, studies the evolution and population dynamics of terrestrial vertebrate species using advanced genomic technologies. His PhD research focused on the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), for which he produced the first reference genome. His research includes the combination of classical cytogenetic methods with next-generation sequencing technologies. Christina Hvilsom: Genomes in action for conservation Since 2008, I have build and led the genetic research profile and lab of Copenhagen Zoo managing a highly skilled and dedicated team focused on conservation genetics and population genomics. Over the years, I’ve built robust in-house expertise and international collaborations that advance science-based solutions for managing endangered species—both in the wild and in human care. My work combines genomic analyses with strategic conservation planning, supporting efforts from species recovery programs to global biodiversity policy. I’m proud to supervise students and researchers, foster interdisciplinary research, and contribute to high-impact networks and initiatives worldwide. As founder and chair of the EAZA Biobank, I help develop genetic resource infrastructures for over 450 zoos and aquaria. I also advise on population management through the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), support and build resources for global biodiversity efforts and strategies via the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and coordinate the EU Biodiversa+ GINAMO project—working to integrate genetic indicators into EU and global biodiversity frameworks of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Passionate about uniting science, management, and policy, I actively contribute to initiatives like the EU COST Action Networks GENOA and G-BiKE, Coalition for Conservation Genetics and the IUCN SSC Conservation Genetics Specialist Group, ensuring genetic diversity has a voice in global conservation efforts. Alexandra A.-T. Weber : Genomics of sex determination in invasive quagga and zebra mussels: progress towards potential genetic biocontrol I am an evolutionary ecologist interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms generating and maintaining biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems. I use a wide range of -omics data (e.g. genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics) from the field and experiments to uncover how organisms adapt to different environmental conditions, and ultimately infer their vulnerability and resilience in the face of rapid environmental changes. I mainly focus on native (e.g. Unionids) and invasive (e.g. quagga and zebra mussels; Asian clam) freshwater bivalve species in Switzerland to conduct my current research, but I also have collaborative projects on other aquatic invertebrates from various habitats (e.g. marine limpets; freshwater crustaceans). 29 Genomic for biodiversity projects presentations  - they will showcase the applied use of biodiversity genomics across Europe and a diverse set of eukaryotic species.  Click here to learn more about the projects. 3 sessions focusing on genomics applied to biodiversity conservation and standardisation. ERGA-BGE Case Studies The Biodiversity Genomics Europe Project and ERGA have supported 29 research projects that demonstrate the applications of genomic data to improve our understanding of biodiversity. In this conference, research project participants will have a chance to come together, share scientific results, and exchange experiences. Learn more about the projects in the interactive map below: Parallel sessions On Friday, 31 October 2025 (11:30–13:00 CET), three parallel breakout sessions, Conservation Genomics, Bioeconomy Genomics, and Genomic Data Standardisation , will run concurrently. Each session will include selected flash talks on genomics‑driven study that fits one of the three themes and can be communicated clearly within a timed and visually engaging five‑minute presentation: Genomics for species monitoring and management Genomics techniques for conservation Standardization in genomics The abstract submission deadline is September 15th. Selected speakers will be notified by October 7th.  The Biodiversity Genomics Europe ( BGE ) Project is funded by the European Union's Horizon Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Framework Programme Additional support:

The European Reference Genome Atlas ( ERGA ) and the European node of the International Barcode of Life ( iBOL Europe ), two international communities of scientists brought together under the Biodiversity Genomics Europe  Project, are joining forces for “Connections,” a series of blog posts that explore the fascinating world of Biodiversity Genomics  and the intersection of their communities. In our previous posts, we compared DNA to a book: barcodes help us identify which book we are holding, while reference genomes enable us to read every page. But here is the twist: by the time DNA leaves the wet lab, the book is broken as if we have run the pages through a “paper–shredder”. DNA extraction, library preparation, and DNA sequencing all turn the long DNA sequence into millions of pieces (Check the Connections blog #3  for an overview of these different steps of the genomic workflow). Bioinformatics is the art of turning that pile of shreds back into something we can read, search, and compare. It is the art that turns barcodes and reference genomes into usable knowledge. Figure 1: Informatics and advanced computing are necessary to analyse the huge amount of data generated for genomic research. Bioinformatics is the product of molecular biology meeting computing. Bioinformatics facilitated the development of the first sequence alignments and substitution matrices, dynamic programming, the creation of searchable databases, and the first “find-it-fast” tools that supercharged homology searches. As sequencing scaled, assembly algorithms emerged, followed by hybrid approaches for long-read platforms. Alongside the algorithms came various file formats (FASTA/FASTQ/BAM/CRAM/GFF/GTF), workflow engines, and the hard-won lesson that reproducibility matters more than quick fixes. For barcoding, the task is targeted: extract a standard marker (or “abstract”), check its quality, align it against a trusted database, and report the most accurate match with confidence. Think of well-indexed catalogues and fast look-ups, ideal for monitoring and quick assessments. For reference genomes, the task is editorial. Correct sequencing errors, assemble the million pieces into chromosomes, phase haplotypes, polish with multiple evidence tracks (long reads, linked reads, Hi-C, RNA-seq), and annotate genes and repeats. That finished “book” enables population genomics, local adaptation, and conservation genomics studies. Figure 2: Examples of some common bioinformatics tasks when working with genomic data from across the tree of life. Bioinformatics is the art that turns raw data into knowledge with useful applications for biodiversity. Modern analyses involve dozens of steps, quality checks, trimming, deduplication, mapping, variant calling, assembly, scaffolding, annotation, all wrapped in containers and workflows to make sure a colleague can re-run them on Tuesday and get an answer on the same day. Good metadata is the structure that holds all the pages: sample, permit, locality, preservation, instrument, kit, and version numbers (Check this episode of the Genomic Connections Podcast  to learn more about the importance of metadata). Without that structure, even the finest assembly becomes a vague curiosity. A few field notes from the trenches Everyone has a story of a 2 a.m. run that failed because a file was called final_FINAL_reallyFinal.fastq.gz. We have all been rescued by checksums, saved by containerised toolchains, and learned never to delete intermediate files before the multi-QC report is green. We name scripts after pets, we comment our code (eventually), and we celebrate the day a 500 GB BAM shrinks elegantly into a reproducible VCF. Why does this matter to BGE? For iBOL Europe, robust bioinformatics means clean barcode libraries, sound assignments, and credible trend analyses. For ERGA, it means reference genomes that stand up to re-analysis and can power subsequent population, functional, and comparative genomics, the applications stakeholders care about (from conservation planning to bioeconomy uses). Bioinformatics is not an afterthought: it is a research field itself! It is the bridge from sequencer output to decisions. Treat pipelines as publishable methods, treat metadata as data, and treat your future self as a collaborator who deserves clarity. In the next post, we will demonstrate how these computational foundations are applied in practical settings, including monitoring, policy, and management, without losing sight of the overall context (or the pages).

Last week, ERGA was present at the Vertebrate Genomes Project 2025 Conference , held at The Rockefeller University in New York City from September 30 and October 1. ERGA and VGP share a long-standing collaboration, working together on shared workflows for genome assembly and evaluation  and collaborating under the Biodiversity Genomics Project ( BGE ). So far, dozens of vertebrate genomes from species found across Europe have been sequenced under the ERGA umbrella, directly contributing to the VGP’s goal of sequencing all ~70,000 living vertebrate species. Discussing vertebrate genomes in the heart of New York City. Tom Brown, coordinator of the ERGA IT & Infrastructure Committee , presented the work within the BGE project on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) genome assembly publishing and establishing distributed models of genome generation across Europe. As the VGP and the Earth BioGenome Project (EBP) begin their journey into the Phase II expansions of each project, attention must be given to fully FAIR reporting and publishing of all outputs from sample to reference genome, and coordinated across all nodes of the EBP.  In New York, Tom presented ERGA’s solutions for  generating reports  for all genomes produced as part of the BGE project and sharing all bioinformatic workflows within WorkflowHub . Photos by Chul Lee . Relevant links VGP Website: https://vertebrategenomesproject.org/ Larivière, D., Abueg, L., Brajuka, N. et al. Scalable, accessible and reproducible reference genome assembly and evaluation in Galaxy. Nat Biotechnol 42 , 367–370 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41587-023-02100-3

Community Guidelines Data & Tools Sampling Resources ERGA Library Media Community Guidelines & Documents ERGA Governance Document The ERGA Governance Document builds on the initial consortium structure guidelines and defines ERGA bodies, procedures, roles, and responsibilities. On registration, ERGA Members agree to be bound by both the ERGA Code of Conduct and this Governance Document . View More Code of Conduct ERGA is a bottom-up, open and inclusive community. ERGA membership is open to any individual who supports ERGA’s objectives, registers as a member, and agrees to be bound by the ERGA Code of Conduct. View More Privacy Policy As a community connecting researchers working in the field of biodiversity genomics, ERGA is committed to protecting privacy and respecting privacy regulations, as outlined in the ERGA Privacy Policy . View More Open Data Policy This document outlines the Open Data Policy (ODP) for ERGA. This includes all data and metadata produced as part of the activities within and/or associated with ERGA. View More ERGA Publication Project Code of Conduct This document sets out concepts, best practices, and expectations for ERGA Members to follow when engaged in collectively developing publication projects that involve the ERGA community. View More ERGA Glossary This page provides explanations about terms and acronyms often used within ERGA and in the context of Biodiversity Genomics. View More Community Guidelines Sampling Resources ERGA Sample Manifest ERGA aims to promote and facilitate ethical and legal sampling practices that are also complete and comprehensive so as to fully document the provenance of all samples. The ERGA Sample Manifest serves as the community standard for documenting sampling. View More Community Interest Species Survey From late 2021 to early 2023 ERGA conducted a community-wide survey to identify species of interest and potential sample providers; the archived list contains ~1700 species of interest. View More sampling-resources Data & Tools ERGA Data Portal Access the Data Portal and Status Tracker here . These resources are developed together with EMBL-EBI and provide the latest information about data available at the European Nucleotide Archive for all species registered under the ERGA umbrella project. View More ERGA Genome Tracking Console (GTC) The purpose of this tool is to facilitate the tracking of samples, sequencing status, assembly and annotation status, and facilitate the deposition of data into the ENA by keeping track of accession numbers. View More ERGA GoaT Page The Genomes on a Tree (GoaT) platform is mantained by the Wellcome Sanger Institute. GoaT helps coordinate efforts across the Earth Biogenome Project (EBP) Network at all stages from planning through sequencing and assembly to publication. View More ERGA GitHub Through community contributions, ERGA is working towards collecting computational workflows, pipelines, and tutorials in the ERGA GitHub Repositories . View More ERGA WorkflowHub Space Through community contributions, ERGA is working towards collecting computational workflows, pipelines, and tutorials in the ERGA WorkflowHub space. View More Galaxy / Genome Assembly View More Structural Annotation Guide A step-by-step guide on how to annotate protein-coding genes in your genome. Developed by the Annotation Committee. View More Guidelines on data submission - ENA This document provides summary of the key steps for submitting raw reads and genome assemblies (including annotations) to the European Nucleotide Archive. Developed by the IT and Infrastructure Committee. View More data-software Media For more information regarding the ERGA brand or other media inquiries please contact us at media@erga-biodiversity.eu. Logo - Transparent PNG ERGA Poster ERGA Banner ERGA YOUTUBE CHANNEL In the ERGA YouTube Channel you will find a number of resources such as recordings of previous seminars, workshops and interviews. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel to stay updated about upcoming events! media-resources ERGA-Consortium Play Video Play Video 01:03:27 Efficient evidence-based genome annotation with EviAnn - Aleksey V. Zimin More information, including abstract: https://www.erga-biodiversity.eu/post/efficient-evidence-based-genome-annotation-with-eviann Speaker: Dr. Aleksey V. Zimin - Research Scientist, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, USA --- The ERGA BioGenome Analysis and Applications Seminar Series is a joint initiative of the ERGA Data Analysis Committee (DAC) and the BGE-ERGA WP11-Genome Applications. The purpose of this seminar series is to promote knowledge exchange on state-of-the-art genomic analyses and applications and to create a space for connection and analysis-oriented discussion for ERGA members and the broader genomics research community. These seminars will provide opportunities for interdisciplinary interactions that explore emerging scientific trends, providing a platform for cutting-edge research, novel ideas, and insightful discussions. Learn more about ERGA & BGE at: https://www.erga-biodiversity.eu/ and https://biodiversitygenomics.eu/ Play Video Play Video 15:09 Global genetic diversity loss & the power of conservation to restore species resilience - Robyn Shaw https://www.erga-biodiversity.eu/post/global-genetic-diversity-loss-and-the-power-of-conservation-to-restore-species-resilience 🧬 Learn more about #ERGA & join us today! https://www.erga-biodiversity.eu Play Video Play Video Genomics for Biodiversity Conference - from genomes to impact More information & link to the program: https://www.erga-biodiversity.eu/post/genomics-for-biodiversity-conference-from-genomes-to-impact This conference will bring together researchers and other stakeholders interested in applied biodiversity genomics and will showcase how it can have an impact on real-world issues, focusing primarily on biodiversity conservation and the bioeconomy. Learn more about ERGA & BGE at: https://www.erga-biodiversity.eu/ and https://biodiversitygenomics.eu/ Play Video Play Video 36:03 Faster identification of Transposable Elements in full genome assemblies - Pío Sierra More information, including abstract: https://www.erga-biodiversity.eu/post/faster-identification-of-transposable-elements-in-full-genome-assemblies Speaker: Pío Sierra, Research Assistant, Karam Teixeira Group - Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom --- The ERGA BioGenome Analysis and Applications Seminar Series is a joint initiative of the ERGA Data Analysis Committee (DAC) and the BGE-ERGA WP11-Genome Applications. The purpose of this seminar series is to promote knowledge exchange on state-of-the-art genomic analyses and applications and to create a space for connection and analysis-oriented discussion for ERGA members and the broader genomics research community. These seminars will provide opportunities for interdisciplinary interactions that explore emerging scientific trends, providing a platform for cutting-edge research, novel ideas, and insightful discussions. Learn more about ERGA & BGE at: https://www.erga-biodiversity.eu/ and https://biodiversitygenomics.eu/ Play Video Play Video 55:27 Target capture sequencing approaches to the study of plant evolution More information, including abstracts: https://www.erga-biodiversity.eu/post/target-capture-sequencing-approaches-to-the-study-of-plant-evolution Speakers: Lisa Pokorny, Ramón y Cajal Researcher at Real Jardín Botánico (RJB-CSIC), Spain Pol Fernández Mató, Institut Botànic de Barcelona (IBB, CSIC-CMCNB), Catalonia --- The ERGA BioGenome Analysis and Applications Seminar Series is a joint initiative of the ERGA Data Analysis Committee (DAC) and the BGE-ERGA WP11-Genome Applications. The purpose of this seminar series is to promote knowledge exchange on state-of-the-art genomic analyses and applications and to create a space for connection and analysis-oriented discussion for ERGA members and the broader genomics research community. These seminars will provide opportunities for interdisciplinary interactions that explore emerging scientific trends, providing a platform for cutting-edge research, novel ideas, and insightful discussions. Learn more about ERGA & BGE at: https://www.erga-biodiversity.eu/ and https://biodiversitygenomics.eu/ Play Video Play Video 15:23 The ERGA Community Genome Report Collection at Pensoft RIO - Robert Waterhouse https://www.erga-biodiversity.eu/post/the-new-erga-community-genome-report-collection-at-pensoft-rio The new ERGA Community Genome Report Collection at Pensoft RIO The new European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) Community Genome Reports collection at Pensoft's Research Ideas and Outcomes journal provides a single platform to collate publications from the ERGA Community describing their reference genomes. An ERGA Genome Report is a technical description that clearly presents the methodologies employed for sequencing and assembling genomes, together with standard quality metrics and relevant metadata, and genome annotation information if available. The ERGA Genome Reports preprinted and/or published through this collection follow a standardised format to ensure consistent quality and facilitate data findability and reuse. Genome Reports published elsewhere will be considered for inclusion in this collection if they (1) align with the ERGA Genome Report standards and (2) clearly acknowledge ERGA in the manuscript. Through collating Genome Reports from across ERGA affiliated projects and members, this collection provides an open-access resource that promotes high standards, supports comparative analyses, and drives advances in genomics research. Play Video Play Video 04:18 Embia tyrrhenica genome - Giobbe Forni Learn more about BGE: https://biodiversitygenomics.eu/2025/06/10/community-driven-reference-genomes/ Play Video Play Video 02:00 The ERGA Knowledge Hub - Intro Video https://knowledge.erga-biodiversity.eu - visit the ERGA Knowledge Hub and contribute today! 🧬 Learn more about #ERGA & join us today! https://www.erga-biodiversity.eu

The European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) initiative is a pan-European scientific response to current threats to biodiversity. Reference genomes provide the most complete insight into the genetic basis that forms each species and represent a powerful resource in understanding how biodiversity functions. With approxima HOME A GENOME ATLAS OF EUROPEAN BIODIVERSITY The European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) initiative is a pan-European scientific response to current threats to biodiversity. Reference genomes provide the most complete insight into the genetic basis that forms each species and represent a powerful resource in understanding how biodiversity functions. With approximately one fifth of the ~200,000 European species at risk of extinction, we need to act fast and together to generate high-quality complete genome resources in large scale. Science needs genomes to understand biodiversity, biodiversity needs to be understood to be protected. HIGHLIGHTS Connection #8 - Bioinformatics: reassembling the book of life ERGA meets VGP in New York City ERGA at the EMBO course in genome sequencing, assembly, curation, and downstream analyses EVENTS Genomics for Biodiversity Conference - from genomes to impact Faster identification of Transposable Elements in full genome assemblies ERGA at ESEB 2025 Open to Collaborate ERGA is committed to the development of new modes of collaboration, engagement, and partnership with Indigenous peoples for the care and stewardship of past and future heritage collections. Calls OUR MISSION 1/3 1/3 1/3 1/3 WHAT WE DO Establishing high-quality reference genomes requires an interdisciplinary workflow From species to genomes … and beyond. From species selection to data analysis, the process of creating reference genomes for the entire biodiversity will involve a deep synergy among museums, research institutes, universities, sequencing centres, bioinformatics and computational groups. Citizens will also play an important role supporting the inclusion of all types of species. WHAT WE AIM FOR Creating and consolidating a collaborative and interdisciplinary network of scientists across Europe and associated countries Connecting relevant infrastructure across Europe following a distributed model that can dynamically increase Propagating guidelines for state-of-the-art genome establishment through training and knowledge transfer Next La comunidad ERGA tiene como objetivo optimizar la producción de genomas de referencia mediante el desarrollo y el intercambio de protocolos y flujos de trabajo, brindando acceso a recursos y apoyando el desarrollo de capacidades a través de la transferencia de conocimientos - para mejorar y ampliar el uso de datos genómicos para la protección y restauración de la biodiversidad Next OUR PROJECTS ERGA Pilot The Pilot Project was launched to demonstrate the feasibility of continent-wide collaboration. It was established, funded, and driven entirely by its members. Read more >> Biodiversity Genomics Europe ERGA has recently been funded as part of the Biodiversity Genomics Europe project through the European Union's Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action. Read more ERGA Community Genomes Are you planning or developing a reference genome project of a European species? Join the growing family of ERGA Community G enomes! Read mo re “Species conservation is urgent and demands deep knowledge of the genetic features of their populations. A coordinated effort to generate complete reference genomes for all European biodiversity, such as what we are proposing with ERGA, can give us the whole picture about the adaptive differences and extent of a need for genetic rescue among populations and species.” Dr. Camila Mazzoni, Founding Chair, ERGA. Research Group Leader Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research Berlin, Germany

Executive Board Council of Countries Committees Our Partners Pilot Project Former Contributors top OUR COMMUNITY ERGA is an bottom-up initiative based on people, consisting of hundreds of scientists across the entire European continent and beyond. Research institutions, infrastructure facilities as well as partner genome projects will play an important role within ERGA. Finally, ERGA will have a focus on societal needs particularly related to Biodiversity conservation. For that purpose, ERGA will work engaging governmental and non-governmental entities and will closely involve citizens in different actions. Executive Board Executive Board executive-board@erga-biodiversity.eu Robert Waterhouse Chair Ann Mc Cartney Vice Chair Olga Vinnere Pettersson Vice Chair Rosa Fernández Scientific Officer Elena Bužan Partnership Officer Chiara Bortoluzzi Dissemination Officer Lada Lukić Bilela Social Integration Officer Camila Mazzoni Funding Opportunities Officer Jaakko Pohjoismäki Genomic Outreach Officer List of Former Executive Board Members > Council of Country Representatives Contact the national representatives for more information on the ERGA community in your country! Andorra Andorra@erga-biodiversity.eu Manel Niell List of Former Council Members > Council of Countries Committees SSP - Sampling & Sample Processing samples@erga-biodiversity.eu More > DAC - Data Analysis Committee analysis@erga-biodiversity.eu More > Media & Communications media@erga-biodiversity.eu More > Social Justice Committee socialjustice@erga-biodiversity.eu More > SAC - Sequencing and Assembly Committee assembly@erga-biodiversity.eu More > ITIC - IT & Infrastructure Committee itinfra@erga-biodiversity.eu More > CS - Citizen Science citizenscience@erga-biodiversity.eu More > Annotation Committee annotation@erga-biodiversity.eu More > ELSI - Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues elsi@erga-biodiversity.eu More > TKT - Training and Knowledge Transfer training@erga-biodiversity.eu More > Committees Our Partners Our Partners ERGA is the pan-European partner of the Earth Biogenome Project (EBP) Affiliated Initiatives Associated Partners Pilot Project Pilot Project Committee Coordinators pilot@erga-biodiversity.eu Giulio Formenti Alice Mouton Ann Mc Cartney Learn more about the Pilot Project Former Contributors SSP - Sampling & Sample Processing Committee Filter by Type Astrid Böhne (Former Committee Chair) Former Contributors