Biodiversity Genomics Europe plus

Citizen Science

Army of citizen scientists

Citizen Science

The current rate of biodiversity loss is reaching catastrophic proportions. We need to take urgent action and for that, we need to collect as much data as possible across Europe, building solid reference libraries for biodiversity research. This is an enormous endeavour for which the contribution of citizen scientists is crucial.

Citizen Science Contributions

The citizen science contributions map displays the various citizen science activities and samples collected across Europe by our dedicated citizen scientists. Participants played a crucial role in collecting arthropod bulk samples, port eDNA water samples, and individual specimens, as well as providing taxonomic expertise in the process. The map also showcases results from the different BGE sampling campaigns conducted across Europe from 2023 to 2025.

By clicking on a pin on the map, the corresponding details will be displayed.

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We would like to express our gratitude to all our citizen scientists, including farmers, park rangers, children, university students, teachers, and hobby experts. We also extend our thanks to the landowners who allowed us to conduct sampling on their properties, as well as to all the research institutions that facilitated the pollinator sampling through their volunteer efforts in their respective countries.
Collect individual specimens

Building reference libraries

BGE aims to collect individual specimens for building the barcode reference library as well community samples for the analyses of invertebrate communities in terrestrial and marine realms. For this, citizen scientists were involved in three different activities:

  1. Amateur specialists collect, identify, photograph and submit individual insect specimens for barcoding.
  2. Citizens and stakeholders (e.g. national park rangers) service and maintain the insect traps for flying insect fauna at mountains across Europe.
  3. Citizens filter sea water near European ports and harbours to capture environmental DNA (eDNA) and help us detect marine invasive species.

Citizens were supplied with sampling kits and detailed written instructions along with a video explaining how the sampling is done.

No efficient engagement without some groundwork

Lowering barriers

There is no efficient engagement without some groundwork, that is why BGE has been working to map and interview a large number of stakeholders in the field of genomics across Europe. Their perspective guided us in the design of two crucial engagement mechanisms: the project’s “Genomic Toolbox” to help science communicators navigate the complexities involved in generating and applying high-quality reference genome, and an immersive video game designed to guide players through the complete pipeline of high-quality reference genome generation, from initial sampling procedures to practical applications.

Training events that served as a platform for sharing protocols

Training

BGE hosted a number of training events that served as a platform for sharing protocols, methods and expertise cultivated within the project with a broader audience. (You can find information about the first one here). The aim of the training session was two-fold: 1. To offer instruction in metadata recording and specimen preservation with an eye towards future reference genome sequencing. 2. To allow participants to engage in hands-on activities involving onsite barcoding, using portable ONT sequencing technology and HMW-DNA extraction.
The workshops used activities and games to show the crucial role

Workshops

BGE engaged with citizen scientists through a series of workshops and open days targeting all levels -from school children to students, from employees of national parks to amateur expert taxonomists. The workshops used activities and games to show the crucial role of invertebrates in the environment and make participants familiar with the concepts of DNA barcoding as well as the main field methods for collecting, preserving and identifying insects. These activities are also important to explain the concept of DNA barcode library building and the interpretation of barcoding results. You can see here a summary of some of the workshops.

Research teams from biodiversity hotspots

“Bio-Blitzing”

BGE subcontracted research teams from biodiversity hotspots in European widening countries to take the lead in organising bioblitz events following BGE’s guidelines. The primary objective is gathering species for genome sequencing and DNA barcoding purposes.