Report on Sample Collection and Processing Standards
Best Practice Guidance for Earth BioGenome Project Sample Collection and Processing: Progress and Challenges in Biodiverse Reference Genome Creation
Authors: Lawniczak, Mara K. N.; Kocot, Kevin M.; Astrin, Jonas J.; Blaxter, Mark; Sotero-Caio, Cibele G.; Barker, Katharine B.; Childers, Anna K.; Coddington, Jonathan; Davis, Paul; Howe, Kerstin; Johnson, Warren E.; McKenna, Duane D.; Wideman, Jeremy G.; Pettersson, Olga Vinnere; Ras, Verena; Santos, Bernardo F.
Journal: GigaScience
Year: 2025
ABSTRACT
The Earth BioGenome Project has the extremely ambitious goal of generating, at scale, high-quality reference genomes across the entire Tree of Life. Currently in its first phase, the project is targeting family-level representatives and is progressing rapidly. Here we outline recommended standards and considerations in sample acquisition and processing for those involved in biodiverse reference genome creation. These standards and recommendations will evolve with advances in related processes. Additionally, we discuss the challenges raised by the ambitions for later phases of the project, highlighting topics related to sample collection and processing that require further development.
ABOUT THE SUBCOMMITTEE
This Report on Sample Collection and Processing Standards was developed by EBP’s Scientific Subcommittee for Sample Collection and Processing.