Towards a Belgian network for DNA barcoding Laboratories.

 

JEMU

 

On 28 June 2010 the Joint Experimental Molecular Unit (JEMU) hosted a meeting at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels, to discuss the feasibility of creating a DNA barcoding network in Belgium. This included discussions on the tasks, responsibilities and practicalities of creating such a network and to coordinate DNA barcoding activities in Belgium as well as facilitate collaborations with international stakeholders such as ECBOL, iBOL and CBOL. JEMU was requested by the Belgian Science Policy to investigate the possibilities of creating such a network.


The meeting consisted of 27 participants from various organisations and institutes in Belgium that presented 18 oral presentations on current activities in DNA barcoding, fields of involvement and where DNA barcoding could be relevant. All participants agreed on establishing a Belgian barcoding network that will have the following coordinating functions:

 

            • Website
            • Organization of regular meetings
            • Develop and present short courses
            • Give information on meetings and funding opportunities
            • Helpdesk for barcoding issues
            • Platform for information exchange
            • Act as focal point for international partners

           

A proposal for funding from the Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek_Vlaanderen (FWO_Vlaanderen; Research Foundation Flanders) will be drafted to acquire funds for these functions as well as having funds available for invited guests and allow member researchers to attend barcoding workshops. As part of the proposal, collaborations are required from at least three Flemish institutes, two institutes from the French speaking community in Belgium and one or more international body such as CBOL and/or ECBOL. The draft of the proposal will be compiled by the JEMU team, which will also start with the practical organization of the Belgian barcoding network.

Please note that this meeting was the starting point and that the Belgian network is open to all other Belgian institutes and organisation that are active or wishing to become active in DNA barcoding.

 

KBINKMMA

The Royal Institute

for Natural Science, Brussels.

 

 

 

Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren.

Report on meeting.

Minutes of meeting.

 

 

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