Enhancing gene bank functioning to improve quality and access transparency

The first objectives of WP2 are to improve the functioning and networking of animal gene banks, in terms of genetic representativeness, standards and protocols; downstream to enhance their usefulness with regard to the livestock actors in terms of width of information dissemination, rules as well as procedures’ transparency. WP2 will work with WP5 to ensure all animal genetic collections are recorded in EMBL-EBI’s BioSamples database. WP2 will result in:

• Detailed information and maps of the diversity of germplasm and genomic collections across Europe
• Harmonised protocols and improved quality of collections across Europe
• Assessment of genetic representativeness of gene bank collections, gaps and priorities for further development of collections
• Increased access transparency of gene bank information and data collections across countries
• Adapted gene banking procedures to comply with ABS regulations
• Estimates of the potential economic cost and values/benefits of gene and cryobanking investments