EBP Life Issue 6 | Genomic Frontiers: Methods, Limits & Breakthroughs

Issue 6: Genomic Frontiers—Methods, Limits & Breakthroughs

As biodiversity genomics enters a new phase, the goal is no longer simply generating genomes—it is scaling the production of high-quality reference genomes across the full diversity of eukaryotic life. In this issue, researchers from across the Earth BioGenome Project network explore the methods, innovations, and collaborations that are making this possible, along with the challenges that must be overcome to achieve it.

“The Earth BioGenome Project is rapidly approaching the end of Phase I: the completion of 10,000 high-quality genome sequences representing diverse protists, fungi, plants, and animals. This is an astounding achievement and a testament to the hard work of skilled colleagues worldwide. This newsletter focuses on the challenges that have been met and overcome in reaching this milestone.”

—Professor Mark Blaxter

Chair, EBP Executive Council

Solving the Hard Genomes

What makes some genomes particularly challenging to sequence? Researchers from across the Earth BioGenome Project network share the technical hurdles, innovations, and collaborations shaping the future of biodiversity genomics.

Building Biodiversity Genomics at Scale

As biodiversity genomics moves from individual projects to large-scale production, Dr Caroline Howard is developing methods that make genome sequencing more reliable, repeatable, and scalable across the Tree of Life.

New Research Across the EBP Network

Across the Earth BioGenome Project network, researchers continue to deliver new reference genomes, methodological advances, and biological discoveries that expand our understanding of life on Earth. Together, these publications demonstrate the scientific impact of global collaboration and the growing capabilities of biodiversity genomics.

EBP Status: GoaT and Dashboard

As of August 2026, EBP-standard genome assemblies representing 4,815 taxa were available through INSDC, while EBP-affiliated projects worldwide had generated 6,954 genome assemblies.

GoaT Live

EBP Dashboard

From Vision to Scale

"What began as an ambitious idea has become one of the world's great scientific collaborations. Together, we have shown that when nations, institutions, and scientists unite behind a common purpose, even the most audacious goals become achievable. As the Earth BioGenome Project enters its next phase, I am confident this remarkable community will continue revealing the genetic foundations of life—knowledge that will deepen our understanding of evolution, strengthen conservation, and benefit humanity for generations to come."

—Professor Harris Lewin

Former Chair, EBP Executive Council