Thursday, 19 September 2024 Better together: Scientists from 33 European countries join forces to generate reference genomes for the continent's rich biodiversity
The European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) Pilot Project reports its success in uniting researchers from across Europe to produce high-quality reference genomes for 98 species. This marks a significant milestone in the quest to create a high-quality reference genome database for all European animals, plants, and fungi.
The coordinator of the Slovenian consortium ERGA is Dr. Elena Bužan from the Department of Biodiversity UP FAMNIT. Upon being selected as the new member of ERGA Executive board last year, Dr. Bužan summed up her role: »As a newly appointed member of ERGA Executive board, I will seek to expand collaboration with other projects and initiatives from all around the world, who strive to expand the catalogue of reference genomes and its applicability. The cooperation is not just a scientific endeavour, but also a work, which brings together various experts in the field of biodiversity protection, from different fields and backgrounds.«
Key Highlights of the Flagship Paper
Among many of the project's milestones are the first chromosome-level genome assemblies of species from Greece, one of Europe’s most biodiverse countries. Species such as the Cretan wall lizard and Aristotle’s catfish were sampled by local researchers in Greece to produce genomes that are now openly available for anyone across the world to access and study. This is a great example of what can be achieved by uniting an international community of biodiversity researchers, fostering collaboration between and within countries. The ERGA Pilot emphasised equity and inclusion, with the goal that genomic research and resources are accessible to all, regardless of geographical boundaries. For many of the participating researchers and countries, the project offered the first opportunity to actively engage in the generation of state-of-the art reference genomic resources for their native biodiversity.
The ERGA Pilot was also successful in building momentum and bringing visibility to the growing importance of biodiversity genomics in Europe and beyond. Genomic data hold immense potential to inform conservation actions for endangered species and unlock discoveries in the fields of human health, bioeconomy, biosecurity and many other applications. Among the species sequenced by the project is for example the greater argentine - a commercially important fish species from the northern Atlantic. This new reference genome will enable scientists to make more accurate assessments of the genetic status of the species’ populations, ultimately guiding management decisions to ensure that fishing practices are sustainable and responsible.
As the global scientific community strives to unlock the full potential of genomic data, the establishment of a Europe-wide collaborative network under the ERGA umbrella accelerates scientific progress and facilitates its translation into tangible benefits for biodiversity and society. Additionally, the network helps researchers at all career stages to find and share opportunities for training, partnerships, and funding.
By fostering international collaboration and focusing on inclusivity and equity, ERGA is setting new standards for biodiversity genomics. The lessons learned and challenges addressed in the Pilot Project will guide future efforts, promoting robust and standardised workflows and a comprehensive genomic database for species in Europe and beyond.
Link to the collection: https://www.nature.com/collections/european-reference-genome-atlas
