Harnessing the power of genomics to protect Europe’s biodiversity

Supporting the whole-genome research community through ERGA Producing a reference genome, a detailed map of a species’ DNA, can take years of fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and computer analysis. Its value also depends on what happens afterwards. Researchers need shared standards to assess data quality, places to exchange expertise, and the means to apply genomic information to questions in conservation, agriculture, and ecosystem management. BGE+ will support this wider research community through the European Reference Genome

Biodiversity Genomics Europe is back… with a plus! The Naturalis Biodiversity Center, coordinator of BGE+, hosted the project’s inaugural meeting between June 3rd – 5th, 2026 in Leiden, The Netherlands. The meeting included plenary sessions, parallel break-out sessions, and meetings of the project’s governance bodies – General Assembly, Executive Board, and External Expert Advisory Board. Keynote talk: Do not grow in isolation. Complementarity is crucial Christos Arvanitidis, CEO of LifeWatch ERIC, gave the keynote speech, titled

The value of DNA barcoding Our colleagues from iBOL Europe has just premiered their brand-new, shining video! It introduces the European DNA barcoding community of researchers and practitioners and explains the wide applications of DNA barcoding in biodiversity monitoring, food authentication, and more. The video has been funded by the Biodiversity Genomics Europe project, predecessor to BGE+. Illustrations: Marta Marilungo, Script by Kasia Fantoni, Production: Alberto Abbate.The video is licensed under a CC-BY 4.0 license, so anyone can