Biodiversity Genomics Europe plus (BGE+)
European biodiversity is under increasing pressure from human impact. To restore and protect it effectively, BGE+ will wield the power of genomic science.
By combining DNA-based technologies with taxonomic expertise, BGE+ aims to generate the knowledge needed to understand, protect, and sustainably manage biodiversity.
For policy makers, regulators and industry professionals to understand environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding applications for biodiversity monitoring and environmental assessment.
The course aims to provide knowledge and practical skills about turning DNA-based biodiversity outputs such as DNA barcode reference libraries, DNA metabarcoding datasets, or reference genomes into citable, peer-reviewed, FAIR publications using Pensoft’s journals and the ARPHA/ORPHO platforms as the working environment. The course in a glimpse Course title DNA Barcode and Genomic (Meta)data Publishing in Journal Articles Time Tuesday 8 December 2026 Place Online Language English Credits None (participation certificates can be issued)
Sampling specimens for DNA barcode reference generation requires careful metadata collection, high-quality photographic documentation, and a laboratory workflow designed to minimise contamination. These elements are essential to ensure reference sequences are reliable, reproducible, and scientifically valuable. In this online course, you will learn the complete workflow for generating high-quality DNA barcode reference material. The course is already full. The course in a glimpse Course title Sampling for reference DNA barcodes Time Monday 26
BGE+ builds on the achievements of its predecessor, the Biodiversity Genomics Europe project (BGE, 2023-26), a foundational joint step in building shared capacity at the European level to accelerate the production and application of biodiversity genomic data for nature restoration and protection.
Through collaboration, innovation, training, and open access to data and tools, BGE+ seeks to build a stronger and more connected biodiversity genomics community across Europe, a first step towards the creation of a full-fledged European biodiversity genomics infrastructure.
Researchers, institutions, and organisations across Europe will receive opportunities to participate, collaborate, and contribute to BGE+.
BGE+ will boost innovation to enhance accessibility and standardised approaches to biodiversity genomics research.
The Knowledge Platform is the central hub to access all BGE+ outputs, resources, tools, and community-shared knowledge.
BGE will work to translate genomic knowledge into practical applications that can inform biodiversity restoration and protection policies.
BGE+ wants to realise the potential of biodiversity genomics in Europe, building sustainable services and strong coordination across countries.
BGE+ promotes an integrated approach to biodiversity research, combining genomic technologies with taxonomic expertise to generate knowledge that can boost research, conservation, and policy. For that purpose, the project brings together three large, complementary communities of practice:
iBOL Europe, ERGA, and CETAF.
