During the three years of this project, BGE partners are generating 450 Gbp of annotated, curated reference genome assemblies encompassing 350-500 species to Earth Biogenome Project standards. We are also sequencing DNA barcodes from 45,000 specimens of 15,000 species, and metabarcode data from thousands of environmental and bulk samples from key habitats across Europe.
Following the initial project phase during which partners gathered to share protocols and techniques, BGEs sequencing teams have put into practice the knowledge gained to scale up delivery of sequence data as batches of samples from museums and the field have come in. Sequencing efforts are currently on track to meet the original project targets.
“In the genome stream, we have sequenced more than a 100 species of European biodiversity at a chromosome-scale assembly quality. Besides sequencing of the allocated species, we continue to focus on comprehensive knowledge exchange among the partner facilities. This has enhanced the data production within BGE, as well as created a foundation for further knowledge transfer beyond this project.”
“One of the most satisfying aspects of this part of the project is seeing the often tiny and very old museum specimens going into the lab, coming back out in great condition and their sequence data being used today to resolve identification issues. This really highlights the continued value of museum specimens, even in the genomic era!”
