Content:
In the workshop the soil as a resource of food and shelter was discussed. The workshop also covered the diversity of life and its distribution in the world, and the bugs that live in the soil. The attendees were also told about the different groups of invertebrates and their different roles.

In the practical part of the workshop the participants tried to finds bugs in the soil and looked at the major characteristics of the bugs.

Goals:
The workshop aimed to achieve several goals

• To create awareness on the diversity and importance of invertebrates, even in winter they are active!
• To improve proximity and public perception of invertebrates – from bugs to animals; from undefined bugs to named animals: beetles, flies, bees, wasps and so on
• To reduce fear and disgust from bugs
• To raise awareness to key roles of invertebrates and ecosystem services regarding the soil

Header:  Picture taken at “Biodiversity under our feet”.

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”.

Overview of the event
The school of Biology of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) successfully participated in the activities of Researcher’s Night, on Friday 26 of September, in Thessaloniki. Approximately 5,500 people of different ages visited the city’s Opera House to attend this pan European celebration of research. Members of Biodiversity Genomics Europe from AUTh presented the BGE project and the efforts of BGE partners across Europe to enhance the use of genomics in support of biodiversity research and conservation.

Visitors were informed about the use of DNA for species identification and about the project’s aim to enrich the reference databases for the European eukaryotic species (organisms whose cells have a membrane-bound nucleus, such as plants, animals, fungi etc.). As part of the program’s outreach activities, children aged 7-14 years were introduced to the use of DNA in identifying species found in Greece. A short interactive game was organised in which children used a small fragment of a four-coloured code (DNA barcode) to search for one of eight species found in Greece, representing diverse taxonomic groups. Over 200 children participated in the game; they observed pictures of the selected species and finally they were given an ‘DNA detective certificate’. Additionally, an activity for youger children (4-6 years old) was organised during which they coloured a short DNA barcode sequence and they were introduced to the corresponding pollinator species found in Greece. The audience was offered a comprehensive introduction to biodiversity and its importance, with particular emphasis on how public participation through citizen science initiatives is essential for the success of such efforts.

Goals

• Introduction to the current global biodiversity crisis: Visitors at the BGE booth during the festival were briefly introduced to the current state of the global biodiversity crisis. They were informed about how DNA-based tools can support species identification and how these approaches can contribute to addressing the ongoing loss of biodiversity.
• Highlighting the importance of biodiversity research and the goals of the BGE project: Participants were introduced to the overarching goals of the BGE project, which aims to address the urgent challenge of biodiversity loss through the use of advanced genomic tools and collaborative research across Europe.
• Highlighting the role of non-indigenous species in the biodiversity crisis: Attendees gained insight into how the spread of non-indigenous species beyond their natural distribution ranges is recognised as one of the major human-driven pressures on ecosystems, affecting both biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Representative examples of marine non-indigenous species recorded in Greek seas were also presented.
• Introducing the use of DNA for species identification (children’s activity): Children were introduced to the concept that DNA is the base of a powerful tool for species identification.

Header:  Picture taken at “BGE: Discover Biodiversity in Greece Using DNA Barcoding”.

Goals
The goal of this workshop was

• To create awareness on the importance of scientific ringing across the years
• To create awareness on the diversity and importance of birds and monitorization of populations
• To improve proximity and public perception of scientific procedures and raise awareness about precautions to take during scientific ringing;
• To raise awareness on how birds populations can be sentinels of change in the environment

Content

During the workshop the attendees learned more about birds as a taxonomic group and the historical perspective on scientific ringing and monitoring bird populations. The ringing procedures, which kind of samples and data can be collected, its potential use and how to minimize stress on birds were also explained.

The attendees learned to periodically check the nets used to capture the birds and were thaught which materials are used to ring the birds. To know which ring was selected for which bird they needed to learn more about the details of bird anatomy.

Header:  Picture taken at “Scientific Ringing”.

Goals
The goal of this event was to summarise the input of citizen scientists in PolBOL and BGE and to review and discuss the data that was generated using the Orthoptera and Coleoptera specimens collected by these citizen scientists.

Content
On the first day the citizen scientists got an introduction to barcoding, PolBOL and the BGE project. They were divided into groups to discuss the obtained data and its possible uses. For the refinement of the material they used equipment in the optical laboratory and then processed the obtained data.

The next day the citizen scientists went to a genetics laboratory for a demonstration of the methods used in molecular analyses (from specimen to ONT squencing).

Header:  Picture taken at “Polish Barcode of Life: four years of activity with Citizen Scientists”

Goals
The goal of this workshop was

• To create awareness on the importance of soils
• To create awareness on the diversity and importance of invertebrates in the soils
• To improve proximity and public perception of invertebrates – from bugs to animals; from undefined bugs to named animals: beetles, nematodes, snails, earth worms, flies, etc.
• To reduce fear and disgust from bugs
• To raise awareness to key roles of invertebrates in the soil

Content

During the workshop more was explained about soil as a resource for life. Which different soils are there? Which invertebrates are present in which soil and what are their roles? The children went outdoors to explore. They looked at the colour, composition and granularity of the soil. They searched for invertebrates and looked at morphological diversity.

With a stereoscope the children observed details of the anatomy of animals and discussed functions in the ecosystem. The children could also colour invertebrates and draw their own insects.

Header:  Picture taken at “Celebrating World Soil day”.

Goals
The goal of this workshop was to communicate knowledge about insects in the local environment and tell more about DNA-barcoding and the results from the BGE high mountain sampling campaign done near the primary school.

Content
The workshop was divided into two groups. The first group were children from 5 to 7th grade. They did an insect quiz where they could win a prize. Afterwards they competed in a DNA barcoding game. They had to collect an egg with a “DNA string” and translate the coloured beads to a nucleotide sequence that is compared to a reference library of local species.

The second group were students from 1 to 4th grade. They explored insect diversity by looking at cases from the museum and used stereo microscopes to obeserve insects at high magnification. Afterwards they played a game where they had to identify different insect groups in the stereo microscope.

Feedback summary
It was a lot of fun doing these outreach and teaching exercises with the children. They were very interested and motivated. The feedback from the teachers were very positive!

Header:  Picture taken at “Insect diversity and DNA barcoding”.

Goals

The event was designed to educate and empower both primary and high school students and teachers by introducing them to various methodological approaches for biodiversity data collection.

Its key objectives were to:

1. Develop participants’ ability to collect biodiversity data using citizen science applications, camera traps and eDNA techniques.
2. Deepen their understanding of modern genetic and ecological tools used in biodiversity monitoring.
3. Provide practical training in collecting environmental samples suitable for genetic analysis.
4. Strengthen knowledge of species identification and conservation through molecular data interpretation.
5. Encourage a sense of stewardship and active involvement in wildlife conservation initiatives.

Together, these objectives aimed to rise awarnes within students and teachers with the skills and motivation needed to engage in the long-term preservation and sustainable management of biodiversity and ecosystems.

Content 

Agenda: Wildlife Detective: Revealing the Invisible Wildlife Around You

1. Welcome and Introduction: Presentation of innovative methods for wildlife monitoring (10 minutes)
2. DNA metabarcoding bingo (15-20 minutes): Students are provided with sheets containing various DNA sequences and species, and they must determine which species each sequence belongs to. Then, they proceed to explore the species’ ecology, habitats, and everything of interest about the species. 
3. Conclusion (Q&A) (5 minutes)

This program enabled students to engage in a hands-on learning experience where they were given sheets containing a variety of DNA sequences and species, tasking them with identifying the corresponding species for each sequence. Subsequently, students had the opportunity to delve into the ecology, habitats, and all aspects of interest about these species.

Agenda: Fantastic animals and where to film them

1. Welcome and Introduction: Presentation about CS, usage of camera traps and SRNA app. Presentation of Slovenian wildlife animals, tracked in SRNA app (15 minutes)
2. Animal quiz (10 minutes): Students solved a questionnaire with footage of animals and tried to identify them.
3. Conclusion (reviewing results and Q&A) (5 minutes)

Students learned about the diversity of Slovenian wildlife and gained skills in identifying animals using camera trap footage. This program also highlighted the importance of citizen science and the value of data collected by citizen scientists.

Feedback summary 

The feedback collected from the workshop reflected exceptionally positive responses from both students and teachers, highlighting their enthusiasm, active participation, and overall satisfaction. Participants expressed that the workshop was engaging, educational and inspiring. Many students reported gaining valuable insights into Slovenia’s native wildlife, the importance of biodiversity conservation, and practical knowledge about modern research tools such as camera traps and eDNA techniques.

Teachers particularly appreciated the interactive format, the hands-on learning approach, and the dedication of the organizers and presenters, who successfully combined scientific content with accessible explanations suitable for different age groups.

Despite the overall success, the organizers encountered a few logistical challenges. One of the main difficulties involved adapting presentations and activities to various age levels, ensuring that each group received appropriately tailored material. Additionally, the pace of progress varied between groups—especially during the DNA metabarcoding bingo activity—which required flexibility and on-the-spot adjustments.

To further enhance future workshops, it would be beneficial to prepare more detailed implementation guidelines and establish time management strategies that accommodate different learning speeds. Overall, the event was considered highly successful, fostering both knowledge and enthusiasm for wildlife conservation among young participants.

Header:  Picture taken at “Fantastic animals and where to film them”.

Goals
● Record as many plant and animal species as possible in the space of a few hours.
● Introduce first users to the Obsidentify app, with the aim of promoting the collection of biodiversity data by citizens and creating an active community of species observers in the city.
● Create the first inventory of all species in an important urban park ecosystem.

Content

• Introductory talk: What is a Bioblitz?
• Help with installing the Obsidentify app and tips for first users.
• Base station with information for visitors (park map, games, microscopes, and
  museum specimens)
• Exploration of the park and recording of species

Outcome: Species observations from the Bioblitz are recorded here, and the link has been
sent to all participants via email after the event: https://observation.org/bioblitz/18866/bioblitz-lib-museum-koenig/

Header:  Participants during the ‘Bioblitz in the Museum Koenig garden‘ in Germany. Images by: BGE / LIB Museum Koenig

Goals
The goal was to introduce the audience to the basic concepts of DNA barcoding, highlighting its potential applications and prospects in Ukraine. The session aimed to teach methods of DNA extraction and amplification, while also demonstrating the versatility and robustness of these universal techniques for biodiversity description.

Content
The workshop provided minimal but sufficient knowledge and skills for undergraduate students to prepare them for independent work in the field of DNA barcoding. During the workshop the students;

• Got to know each other
• Got an introduction of BGE and its activities
• Had an explanation about laboratory rules
• Had hands-on activitites (such as; collecting identifying and registering insect in the backyars of the University)
• Got to know more about non-destructive DNA extraction, PCR electrophoresis
• Theory and practical in sequence data analyses (barcodes QC, identification, databases and sharing results)

Header:  Participants during the ‘The new microscope for biologists – DNA barcoding for the description of dark matter of biology and arthropod monitoring’ in Ukraine. Images by: BGE / Oleksandr Zinenko, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University