By Scout Nelson
A team of researchers at the University of Kansas (KU) is helping develop plans for a national system that would expand access to high-quality reference genome sequencing across the United States. Backed by a three-year, $11.9 million National Science Foundation (NSF) planning grant, the effort aims to create a coordinated framework for studying the nation's biodiversity at the genomic level.
The project, known as Scalable Community Infrastructure for Biodiversity Genomics (SCIBG), is a collaboration among Rockefeller University, Arizona State University and the University of Kansas. Researchers hope to establish a nationwide infrastructure capable of supporting large-scale sequencing of plants, animals, fungi and other organisms.
Although the United States is home to immense biological diversity, only a small fraction of species currently have high-quality reference genomes. These detailed genetic resources can advance research in biodiversity conservation, agriculture, pest and disease management, biotechnology and medicine.
Nico Franz, director of the KU Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum and professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, is leading KU's involvement in the initiative. The university team also includes Lena Hileman and Paulyn Cartwright, who will contribute to specimen collection efforts and biodiversity data systems.
A major goal of the project is to address the challenges associated with reference genome production, which remains expensive and complex for many species. Researchers plan to design a transparent and scalable system that enables scientists nationwide to nominate species for sequencing while improving consistency in sample collection, preservation and data management.
If the project advances beyond the planning phase, the proposed infrastructure could significantly expand sequencing capacity, with a long-term objective of producing up to 60 reference genomes per week. KU researchers will collect specimens primarily at the Konza Prairie Biological Station and the KU Field Station, focusing on plants, fungi, insects and other invertebrates.
The University of Kansas team will also help develop a public-facing genomic information portal based on the Symbiota biodiversity data platform. The resource is expected to provide access to genome information, specimen records, photographs and educational materials for both researchers and the public.
Researchers believe the initiative could transform biodiversity studies by making high-quality genomic data more widely accessible. The project has the potential to accelerate discoveries in evolution, species conservation, agriculture, medicine and biotechnology while creating a more comprehensive genomic record of life in the United States.
Photo Credit: university-of-kansas
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