DNA barcoding and metabarcoding training course using ONTOLOGY™

A new three-day training course will introduce researchers to ONTOLOGY™, a novel platform for distributed DNA barcoding and metabarcoding developed by the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics (CBG). ONTOLOGY combines freeze-dried, "just-add-water" PCR plates that complete indexing and amplification in a single step with software that automates demultiplexing and bioinformatics.

Co-led by the Natural History Museum UK (NHMUK) and CBG, and hosted at NHMUK, the course will guide participants through the full sample-to-answer workflow, from Hot Shot DNA extraction and PCR to Nanopore library preparation, data analysis, and submitting records to BOLD.

Programme highlights:

• Day 1: Foundational molecular work with ONTOLOGY plates 
• Day 2: Advanced molecular techniques and an introduction to ONTOLOGY's computational tools
• Day 3: Advanced data analysis and troubleshooting common lab "pain points"

The course is limited to 10 participants and is open to researchers at any career stage who intend to generate DNA barcoding or metabarcoding data. Basic pipetting experience is required; prior nanopore sequencing or BOLD experience is a plus but not mandatory.

There is no participation fee, however participants are responsible for all costs and logistics associated with travel and accommodation.

Application deadline: 17 August 2026 ➪ full course programme details and application here.

Learn more about the ONTOLOGY platform, launching officially in September 2026, at www.ontology.bio.