Biodiversity Genomics Connects (Brussels, 30 Sept – 1 Oct, 2025) will be a two-day, two-part gathering to bring together researchers, innovators, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Europe to reflect on the state of the art and the path ahead for biodiversity genomics both in technical and policy-related terms.
1. SYMPOSIUM
Unlocking the power of genomic science for nature and the bioeconomy in Europe
Royal Belgian institute of Natural Sciences (Brussels), 30 Sept. – 1 Oct
The event will open with a sessions programme under the rather suggestive title Unlocking the power of genomic science for nature and the bioeconomy in Europe. The meeting is focused on use of DNA methods and genomic science to support biomonitoring, conservation and utilisation of biodiversity – with a special emphasis on what is needed to facilitate mainstreaming and operationalisation of genomic methods for biodiversity across Europe. The meeting will consist of presentations on the state-of-the-art, and the practicalities of deployment, and then lead to discussion sessions aimed at prioritizing actions to guide future progress. Throughout the symposium, we aim to facilitate discussion between researchers, practitioners, policy leads, business, and civil society actors and the meeting also includes a networking reception.
Preliminary Symposium programme
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NETWORKING RECEPTION
Biodiversity innovation: Enabling technology for nature and green growth
Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (Brussels), 30 Sep 17:45h CET
Right after the symposium sessions, Biodiversity Genomics Connects ‘s will host a networking reception around some of the topics of the symposium.
The reception will take place at the Dinosaurs Hall of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, and all participants and speakers of the symposium are welcome to attend.
2. POLICY ROUNDTABLE (closed event)
Biodiversity innovation: Enabling technology for nature and green growth
Royal Belgian institute of Natural Sciences (Brussels), 1 Oct
Right after the technical sessions, Biodiversity Genomics Connects ‘s roundtable will explore questions such as: What are the most promising biodiversity genomic innovations for enhancing ecosystem resilience and climate adaptation? What infrastructure is needed to avoid bottlenecks, ensure continuity, interoperability, application, and open access to biodiversity genomic data? How can biodiversity genomic technologies accelerate green growth? Can Europe become a driving force for international collaboration to tackle systemic biodiversity challenges? Addressing these topics across the policy and scientific community will enable us to explore how Europe can better capitalise on the potential of biodiversity genomic innovations for nature and green growth. BGE wil organise the policy roundtable in collaboration with:
The event will take place under the patronage of the European Parliament.
Preliminary Roundtable programme
14:00 Welcome
14:05 Theme 1 – Addressing the biodiversity crisis: What is at stake?
14:45 Theme 2 – Biodiversity genomic innovations as a green growth enabler
— 15:30 Coffee break —
16:00 Theme 3 – Setting up a policy framework to capitalise on opportunities arising from innovations in genomic science for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use
16:55 Conclusions
(All times are CET and indicative)
