iBOL Programs
BARCODE 500K, completed in 2015, was the foundation that established the sequencing facilities, analytical protocols, informatics platforms, and international collaboration needed to build the DNA barcode reference libraries. Building on this success, BIOSCAN launched in June 2019 to scan life and codify species interactions while expanding the reference library and demonstrating its utility. BIOSCAN will be the foundation for the Planetary Biodiversity Mission, a mission to save our living planet.
Research Program Details
Program 1
BARCODE 500K
Cost: $125 million
Timeline: 2010-2015
Status: Complete in August 2015
Goals:
- Deliver DNA barcode coverage for 0.5 million species.
- Develop the informatics platform and analytical protocols required for the development of the DNA barcode reference library.
- Establish a core facility to provide sequencing and informatics support.
Program 2
BIOSCAN
Cost: $180 million
Timeline: 2019-2026
Status: Launched June 2019
Goals:
- Deliver DNA barcode coverage for 2 million species.
- Activate biomonitoring for one or more ecoregions in each participating nation & codify species interactions for these sites.
- Develop informatics support for high-throughput sequencing.
- Promote applications of DNA barcoding.
Program 3
Planetary Biodiversity Mission
Cost: $500 million
Timeline: 2026-2045
Status: Activation in January 2026
Goals:
- Complete the census of all multicellular species.
- Establish a global biosurveillance program.
- Construct a ‘library of life’ by preserving DNA extracts from all species.
Key Outcomes
Learn more about how iBOL programs have made an impact, provided resources, and communicated ideas.
IMPACT
dna barcoding applications that address societal challenges
transform biodiversity science by growing research output
support data-driven policy change and capacity building
Resources
specimen collection and digitization across natural history collections
informatics platforms for analysis and secure data sharing
sequencing facility for the generation of high-quality barcodes
Communication
biennial conference series with global representation
quarterly online newsletter with diverse contributors and large readership
special issue publications surrounding conference and workshop meetings
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