BGE joint network training: Biodiversity Research Integrating barcoding, Genomics and High-throughput Technologies (BRIGHT)

From February 3 to 7, 2025, the ‘BGE joint network training: Biodiversity Research Integrating barcoding, Genomics and High-throughput Technologies (BRIGHT)’ took place at the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection at the University of Lodz, Poland. The training brought together 24 in person participants (selected based on application process) and 31 online participants, mostly students (master and PhD students), early career researchers and stakeholders: GO’s (National Parks and Gene Banks representatives), and NGO’s (private companies representatives). The main goal was to train the audience in biodiversity studies employing molecular methods.

Additionally, the attendees had the opportunity to work in an actual scientific project which involved: preparation of DNA barcodes for 500 pollinators specimens from Impatiens spp. from different sampling sites in Poland and genome reconstruction of keystone species in freshwater habitats, the crustacean Gammarus jazdzewkii.

BGE joint network training: Biodiversity Research Integrating barcoding, Genomics and High-throughput Technologies (BRIGHT). Image by: Piotr Gadawski

Overview of the event 

Thanks to the synergy of DNA barcoding, genomics methods and high-throughput sequencing technologies, recognition of biodiversity from individuals through populations to species levels became available for everyone. 

During the workshop both theoretical and practical aspects of application of molecular methods in biodiversity studies were explored. The classes were given by 19 instructors and covered various topics from the basic concepts of biodiversity organisation, through molecular laboratory methods, genomic research, databases (eg. ENA, BOLD, UNITE, COPO) to examples of citizen science involvement in scientific projects. The practical part included training in sampling, DNA isolation for barcoding and genomic research, DNA amplification and quality control, ONT sequencing, molecular data management and analysis and a visit to DNA sequencing centre and biobank.

BGE joint network training: Biodiversity Research Integrating barcoding, Genomics and High-throughput Technologies (BRIGHT). Image by: Piotr Gadawski

Feedback summary 

The attendees received a questionnaire to assess all the sessions and provide feedback. In general, the sessions received very high scores with marks “excellent” in all the cases, the number of instructors was sufficient for all the parts. The attendees also very positively assessed all the instructors and the handbook prepared for the workshop.

Also, the attendees suggested having smaller groups during the laboratory practicals (the groups were 4-5 people) and to extend time for the bioinformatic sessions.

Header image and image above: BGE joint network training: Biodiversity Research Integrating barcoding, Genomics and High-throughput Technologies (BRIGHT). Image by: Piotr Gadawski