“Do you want to learn how we study biodiversity with the help of genetics?”

Overview of the event

During the event the attendees had the opportunity to explore the Center’s state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories, meet 24 research groups and take part in hands-on experiments, engaging presentations and interactive demonstrations. Members of the Biodiversity Genomics Europe (BGE) project from AUTh presented the iniative and highlighted the collective efforts across Europe to advance the application of genomics in biodiversity research. Visitors learned about the project’s goal to enrich reference databases for European eukaryotic species (organisms whose cells have a membrane-bound nucleus, such as plants, animals, fungi etc.) and the vital role of genomic tools in biodiversity monitoring.

As part of the outreach activities, children aged 4 – 16 years were explained how DNA can be used to identify species commonly found in Greece, different European pollinators, and both native and non-native fish species. Three age-appropraite educational games were organised, with around 40 children participating. They examined the DNA barcode of selected species and environmental DNA (eDNA) samples. Upon completion the children were awardes a “DNA Detective Certificate” and an “eDNA Sheriff” sticker.

The event offered a comprehensice exploration of biodiversity and its importance, emphasing the crucial role of public engagement and citizen science in supporting such initiatives.

Goals:

• Introduction to the current Global Biodiversity crisis: Visitors received a brief overview of the ongoing biodiversity crisis and were introduced to how DNA-based tools can support species identification efforts – key to addressing and mitigating the accelerating loss of biodiversity.
• Emphasing the importance of Biodiversity Research and the goals of the BGE Project: Participants were introduced to the core objectives of the Biodiversity Genomics Europe project, which aims to tackle biodiversity loss through the integration of cutting-edge genomic technologies in biodiversity assessment and conservation.
• Demonstrating the value of the DNA Barcode reference library in Genomic Research: The importance of comprehensive DNA barcode reference databases was presented with a focus on Greek biodiversity. Visitors learned about efforts to document species present within Greek ecosystems and how these data contribute to broader genomic research and biodiversity monitoring.
• Showcaing the role of pollinators and their monitoring through DNA Barcoding:”The critical role of pollinator species in ecosystem functioning was highlighted, along with the use of DNA barcoding techniques for their identification and monitoring across different regions in Europe.
• Hightlighting the impact of non-indigenous species to local biodiversity and ecosystem integrity. The session included examples of marin invasive species recorded in Greek waters and demonstrated how environmental DNA (eDNA) methods can be used to detect and monitor these species effectively.

Header:  Picture taken at “Do you want to learn how we study biodiversity with the help of genetics?” under the action “Open Doors in KEDEK, AUTH”.