In the steps of BGE
Building on Success. Expanding a Vision
In the steps of BGE
BGE+ follows the steps of the Biodiversity Genomics Europe project (2023-26), a pioneering initiative that successfully demonstrated that coordinated, transnational efforts can overcome logistical, technical, and policy challenges, creating operational pipelines for sampling, sequencing, data management, and application across Europe. BGE+ is heir to the success of BGE and aims to expand its systemic and scientific impact.
Systemic Impact
BGE was a successful proof of concept that showed the path for a future European biodiversity genomics system. Now, BGE+ will scale up, aiming to create the foundations of a fully-fledged European biodiversity genomics infrastructure. The goal: to transform the current collection of individual efforts into a coordinated, supranational European capability for applying biodiversity genomics.
BGE+ will deliver:
- Wider, more solid collaboration across European countries;
- Transnational opportunities for researchers and institutions;
- New genomic standardised tools and workflows;
- A roadmap for long-term services and infrastructure for research;
- Stronger links with the biodiversity policy realm.
Scientific Impact
BGE+ has a marked infrastructural character, but that does not mean that production of new barcodes and genomes will stop. In fact, a key part of BGE+ is providing financial support to researchers, institutions, and organisations through competitive open calls (See cascade funding). This mechanism will, in turn, expand participation, and connect distributed biodiversity genomics initiatives across Europe.
Financial support will cover topics such as expanding DNA barcode and genome reference libraries; addressing knowledge gaps; developing tools, standards, and best practices; or improving data quality and interoperability.
Building DNA reference libraries to support nature and green growth in Europe - Policy Brief
DNA technologies and genomic science now offer a step-change in how nature can be managed, conserved and utilized. The ability to use DNA to measure and monitor diversity at the species and genetic levels opens up a multitude of applications for which reference libraries of DNA barcodes and genomes are crucial. BGE’s policy brief makes the case for sustained investment and support for building reference libraries of European biodiversity, and offers a long-term vision for the future. Read it now.