ERGA, a "European Reference Genome Atlas" to preserve biodiversity
The European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) initiative is a pan-European scientific response to current threats to biodiversity. Reference genomes provide the most complete insight into the genetic basis that forms each species and represent a powerful resource in understanding how biodiversity functions. With approximately one fifth of the ~200,000 European species at risk of extinction, we need to act fast and together to generate high-quality complete genome resources in large scale.
Announced in Nature in July 2023, the consortium of researchers, which includes UNamur researchers from Alice Dennis' team, is coordinating the production of a database of reference genomes to better understand and preserve European biodiversity.
The mission of the ERGA community is guided by the fundamental principles of FAIR and CARE (*):
- Scientific excellence
- Expertise
- Distributed infrastructure
- Balanced taxonomic, geographic and habitat representation
- Inclusive and socially diverse practices
- Data generation and publication
- Prioritisation of species requiring urgent attention.
(*) The CARE Principles complement the existing FAIR Principles, which require data to be discoverable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable. While the FAIR principles aim to facilitate the sharing and re-use of data, the CARE principles ensure the ethical use of data.
Prof. Alice Dennis (ILEE institue) is part of the project as Chair of the Annotation Committee.
- Read our article about ERGA in our newsroom...
- Read the article "5 questions to Alice Dennis" on the ERGA website...
Follow ERGA on the ERGA blog and on social media
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