The UK BIOSCAN team is organising a “Taxonomython,” a collaborative workshop aimed at enhancing species identification within the UK BIOSCAN dataset. It will take place at the Natural History Museum of London on 23-25 September, and the organisers invite dipterists and other taxonomic experts to participate. Experts willing to join can express their interest by submitting this form by mid-August. Please note that there is limited spot availability.
More information is available below and in the Expression of Interest form.
Dates: 23-25 September 2025
Venue: Natural History Museum London
Why We Need Your Expertise
The BIOSCAN project has assembled thousands of barcode records, but many specimens remain:
- Without genus or species-level identification
- In need of verification (e.g. non-UK species that could be new British records or identification errors)
Your taxonomic expertise will directly contribute to curating and improving the global DNA barcode reference library for UK species, enhancing our understanding of UK biodiversity.
Focus and Materials
While the primary focus will be on Diptera, we welcome experts in other taxonomic groups where there is sufficient material in the collection. Please explore the BIOSCAN-UK Report Card (which updates regularly) by clicking through the Sunburst Plot and referring to specimen-level records in the Table at the bottom of the page. You can view the BOLD record and specimen image (if available) by clicking on the “Specimen ID” link.
Before the workshop, BIOSCAN UK will provide:
- Comprehensive data reports for your taxonomic group(s) of interest
- Access to the latest BIOSCAN-UK Report Card with specimen data and statistics
- Preview images of specimens where available
- Custom data exports based on your specific research interests
During the workshop, you will be able to:
- Examine specimens of interest
- Request specific specimens based on the data provided
- Collaborate with other specialists
- Add your identifications directly to the BOLD database
Workshop Format
This is an early-stage planning announcement. The workshop will be held over 2-3 days, with a maximum capacity of 15 participants. Organisers recognise that some taxonomic groups require complex preparation (dissections, slide mounts, etc.) and would be happy to discuss options for specimen loans where appropriate.
Register Your Interest
Please complete this form to register your interest in participating. Please indicate:
- Your contact information
- Your taxonomic expertise (family/group of interest)
- Any specific requirements for specimen preparation (all specimens were collected in 100% ethanol, DNA extracted non-destructively, and are now stored in 80% ethanol)
While our focus is primarily on Diptera, please indicate if you have expertise in other taxonomic groups, as we may have material requiring identification.
Questions?
For further information, please contact the Dipterist Forum committee or email bioscan.info@sanger.ac.uk.
This workshop is funded by the Biodiversity Genomic Europe project and organised by Sanger in collaboration with the Dipterists Forum and the Natural History Museum, London.
