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By Luísa Marins (for Biodiversity Genomics Europe) One of the main goals of BGE is to support the new generation of researchers in biodiversity genomics by promoting training and knowledge sharing activities across Europe. Well-qualified trainers and training materials are essential assets to achieve this objective. Representatives of many BGE partners institutions met last week at the Aristotle University Thessaloniki, Greece, for an intensive workshop focused on developing a foundational training framework in biodiversity genomics. The workshop also aimed at aligning activities and sharing knowledge between the reference-genomes and reference-barcodes communities of BGE. The sessions were distributed across 3 days of theoretical presentations and hands-on activities, covering major steps of the genomic workflow. This journey included everything from sample collection and DNA extraction in the “wet lab” to the final stages of data processing and uploading to computational databases. This very productive workshop was just the start of the broader BGE Joint Network Training task. The valuable insights and lessons learned in Thessaloniki are now being summarised into a handbook. These guidelines will serve as a basis for similar workshops to be organised by other BGE partner institutions across Europe throughout 2024. BGE’s effort to connect expertise from the DNA barcode and full genome strands in joint actions is focused on priority areas in biodiversity research, training, and conservation where current challenges are recognised and there are clear needs for well-aligned developments that will accelerate future work. Stay tuned while we continue our endeavour to demonstrate the benefits of working together!

This call is now closed Are you interested in producing a genome in collaboration with the Biodiversity Genomics Europe Project and ERGA? A new call for species proposals & sampling by the European community is now open! Suggested species will undergo a thorough evaluation process and a number of species will be selected for sequencing based on the process established by ERGA's Sampling & Sample Processing Committee.

This call is now closed The Biodiversity Genomics Europe consortium brings together two newly formed networks to improve our understanding of biodiversity, monitor biodiversity change, and guide interventions to prevent its decline. The BGE-ERGA stream is calling for Expressions of Interest for parties to organise BioBlitz events in biodiversity hotspots within Europe. These events can include scientific activities as well as citizen science activities related to the topic. Interested ERGA members are highly encouraged to submit applications to this call. All Expressions of Interest must include DNA barcoding, preservation of fresh specimen samples suitable for reference genome sequencing, and plan for vouchering, metadata collection suitability and permission clearance for sampling and sample export. More information about the call and details on the application process are described in this document. Please share this announcement widely, so that it can reach the maximum number of interested project leaders.

The Biodiversity Genomics Europe-ERGA stream is calling for Expressions of Interest for parties to develop Case Studies that build biodiversity genomic applications in Europe. The case studies should demonstrate the application of reference genomes and genomic data in one of two topics: 1) The Conservation of Species. 2) Species of economic importance or disease control. The Biodiversity Genomics Europe consortium brings together two newly formed networks to improve our understanding of biodiversity, monitor biodiversity change, and guide interventions to prevent its decline. Interested ERGA members are highly encouraged to submit applications to this call. All Expressions of Interest must include: (i) focus on a biological system in Europe, suitable to develop one of the two application types; (ii) genomic analyses based on at least one high quality reference genome and additional downstream data; (iii) a plan for sampling, genomic data collection and data analysis; (iv) a plan for stakeholder engagement. More information about the call and details on the application process are described in this document. Please share this announcement widely, so that it can reach the maximum number of interested project leaders.

The Biodiversity Genomics Europe consortium is organising a full day of presentations at the BG23 conference on Monday 2nd October, and we would like you to consider submitting an abstract for a presentation in this session! Original post: https://biodiversitygenomics.eu/2023/07/24/submit-your-abstract-for-the-bge-day-at-biodiversity-genomics-23/ The focus The focus of the day is the application of genome sequencing and DNA barcoding approaches to understand and characterise biodiversity in Europe. The aim is to provide a forum for sharing ideas on enhancing integration of biodiversity genomics into practical applications/topics of policy relevance including biodiversity conservation, sustainable management/utilisation of biodiversity, ecosystem restoration, and environmental biomonitoring etc. The talks The talks are online, and short – 9 mins, with 3 mins for questions. The talk slots will be in sessions running from 11.15h-12.15h and 12.45h-13.45h (CET) on Monday 2nd October. The deadline for submitting an abstract is soon (the 3rd of August). How to submit your abstract To submit an abstract please go to https://events.venue-av.com/e/BG23_registration. On this screen click ‘join us’ in the blue box. This will take you through to registration. On the abstract submission page please select ‘yes’ in response to the prompt “Are you specifically interested in presenting your work at the Biodiversity Genomics Europe (BGE) sessions on October 2nd?” If the abstract is selected, a pre-recorded talk will be required in the week of 1-8th September. Looking forward to seeing you presentation at BG23!

ERGA members had the opportunity to meet in the beautiful setting of Ferrara, Italy during the annual meeting of the Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution last week. The SMBE2023 conference brought together over 1.500 researchers from around the world, providing an excellent opportunity for networking and spreading information on the use of reference genomes in biodiversity research and how ERGA is contributing to the mission of the Earth BioGenome Project at the European level. ERGA was well represented at the conference, raising awareness about our work and the Biodiversity Genomics Europe (BGE) project and motivating researchers to join the community. Our Training & Knowledge Transfer and Media & Communications Committees organised the 'ERGA corner' - a space where members and interested attendees could gather, discuss, and obtain information about ERGA. Additionally, a poster introducing the European Reference Genome Atlas was presented, allowing researchers to become familiar with our community. The TKT Committee also organised a two-day parallel event in which ERGA members were invited to participate in a brainstorming session regarding the future of genome generation workflows. The main topics discussed - Pipelines, the Community, Equality and the environmental impact of genomics - were selected based on the input of the wider ERGA community. The outcome of these discussions will be presented on this blog in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

The media & communications committee and the ERGA coordination team are very happy to share with you the first issue of ERGA News. This will be a monthly newsletter that aims to facilitate communication within ERGA, keep you updated about ERGA’s latest and future developments and advertise all actions and other possibilities open to all members. Our highlights for November are: Time to suggest your favourite European eukaryote for reference genome sequencing: Ongoing call for European community species nominations BG22 - until November 14th it is still possible to catch up with the sessions you have missed via the conference's portal A new resource for ERGA members: A template for presenting updates on genome assemblies The ERGA newsletter is made for you and so it is very important that we build it together as a community. Your feedback and suggestions for improvements are more than welcome! Just send an email to media[at]ERGA-biodiversity.eu. We wish you a wonderful start into the new month!

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