Digitized courses boost training in biodiversity genomics

Sequencing the genomes of non-model organisms is critical for uncovering the genetic foundations of biodiversity. These insights help us understand ecosystems, monitor environmental change, and develop strategies to protect vulnerable species.

To support these efforts, two key courses: “Biodiversity Genomics Europe and SciLifeLab Hi-C” and “Best Practices for Reference Genome Generation”, have now been digitized and made openly available online.

This milestone was made possible through collaboration between SciLifeLab’s Planetary Biology Strategic Area, national platforms and initiatives such as NBIS, NGI, the Data Centre, and the Training Hub, together with Biodiversity Genomics Europe and industry partners Dovetail and Arima Genomics.

By training researchers in sequencing non-model organisms, these courses give the scientific community practical skills to generate genomic resources that are vital for biodiversity studies, environmental monitoring, and conservation strategies. The impact is already visible across Europe and as far as Oceania, marking a significant step in making high-quality training in Planetary Biology more accessible to researchers and students in Sweden and beyond.

Read more about SciLifeLab’s Planetary Biology Strategic Area and its initiatives.

Courses digitized and available online:

• Biodiversity Genomics Europe and SciLifeLab Hi-C Course
  This course provides open, sustainable training in laboratory preparation of Hi-C libraries for reference genome sequencing of non-model organisms for Biodiversity Genomics Europe (BGE) partner sequencing centers.
  
  With the collaboration of five research institutes, two industry partners, and several universities, three Hi-C protocols were filmed in 2024 at BMC Uppsala.
  
  More information and access to all videos and resources
  
  
• Best Practices for Reference Genome Generation
  This course covers essential aspects of reference genome projects, from project planning and sample collection to sequencing, data processing, data mobilization, and deposition in open repositories, and designed for junior and senior researchers utilizing reference genomes for biodiversity genetics research.
  
  Held in April 2025 at the Evolutionary Biology Centre (EBC) in Uppsala, this course brought together participants from six Swedish universities.
  
  Lectures are available at the SciLifeLab YouTube channel