OPENBAR – Open Barcoding for All Researchers is a Biodiversity Genomics Europe plus initiative to democratise DNA barcoding across taxa, regions, and research scales through standardised solutions.
Third-generation sequencing technologies have enabled ultra-low-cost, high-throughput DNA barcoding using portable platforms such as the ONT MinION. However, technical and financial barriers still limit widespread adoption of decentralised workflows. OPENBAR will consolidate, benchmark, and expand proven protocols to democratise DNA barcoding across taxa, regions, and research scales through standardised yet flexible solutions. OPENBAR aims to develop a comprehensive, modular resource covering end-to-end workflows from DNA extraction to sequencing and bioinformatics.
For more information about OPENBAR and related initiatives, you can contact Emily Hartop (NTNU).
In this initial phase of OPENBAR, BGE+ partners are running a survey to get an overview of user needs for scaling up distributed DNA (meta) barcoding in Europe and will host the OPENBAR Forum (online) on 15 September – you can register here.
We will report on OPENBAR initiatives regularly.
