Wednesday, 2 July 2025 Prof. Elena Bužan, leading first author of the new publication in the prestigious journal Molecular Ecology

A new publication in the prestigious journal Molecular Ecology discusses the need for the research community in biodiversity genomics to standardize practices for assessing genetic variability at the whole-genome level using various genetic methods. The European consortium ERGA (European Reference Genome Atlas) emphasizes that this standardization is essential for effectively integrating genomic insights into conservation efforts and for addressing the needs of diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, conservation practitioners, and local communities.

The article, which addresses research practices in the field of genetic variability—one of the levels of biodiversity—emphasizes the need to align the interpretation of genetic data among researchers and stakeholders to ensure knowledge-based management and conservation of populations, species, and ecosystems.

A key part of the main message of the article—that the scientific community, if it wants to harness the potential of genomics for biodiversity conservation fully, must develop and adopt harmonized standards designed with consideration of stakeholder needs—was also conveyed by leading first author Prof. Elena Bužan from the Molecular Ecology Group at the Department of Biodiversity, UP FAMNIT

The authors call for a collaborative, inclusive, and practical approach to integrating genomic tools into nature conservation policies and practices worldwide, highlighting the ongoing efforts of the ERGA community to achieve this goal.

The publication was enabled by funding through the Biodiversity Genomics Europe project, which aims to promote the use of genomics in nature conservation and policymaking.The University of Primorska is a partner institution in the project.

Full article > here