Jenny Giles 1,2 , Andreas Zwick 2 , Stephen Bent 2 , Troy Denyer 3 , Anna Kearns 2 , James Nicholls 2 , Jesse Wallace 2, Mark Wallace 1,2 , Claire Yang 2 , Olly Berry 1
1 CSIRO Environomics Future Science Platform, Crawley Western Australia, 2 CSIRO National Collections and Marine Infrastructure, Black Mountain ACT, 3 CSIRO Information Management and Technology, Clayton VIC
Reliable and comprehensive DNA reference data are a fundamental requirement for the success of eDNA metabarcoding analyses in Australian ecosystems. The National Biodiversity DNA Library (NBDL) is a CSIRO-led multi-partner initiative that aims to provide comprehensive DNA reference sequences for all named Australian species of animals, plants, and macroalgae, derived from expertly identified specimens held in research collections, and for priority species of biosecurity concern. Starting with marine vertebrates, the NBDL is working in targeted campaigns to generate authoritative sequence data for taxonomic identification and make it publicly available through a dedicated data and analysis portal. CSIRO has developed a cost-effective highly miniaturised genome-skimming technology ideally suited to collection specimens to complete this library. We are working to achieve this significant goal in partnership with philanthropic and research organisations, Australian collections, state and federal governments, and with the guidance of taxon experts and the end-user community.
Jenny is the Director of the National Biodiversity DNA Library and has over 18 years’ experience in fish biology and wildlife forensic genetics.