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rmwaterhouse.bsky.social
Rob Waterhouse
@rmwaterhouse.bsky.social
1.9K followers 1.7K following 1.7K posts
Director, Environmental Bioinformatics Group at SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics @sib.swiss. Chair, European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA, @ergabiodiv.bsky.social). #biodiversity #genomics www.rmwaterhouse.org
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rmwaterhouse.bsky.social
Rob Waterhouse @rmwaterhouse.bsky.social · Sep 27
Sign up today to receive the monthly newsletter from the ERGA European Reference Genome Atlas to learn about #biodiversy #genomics initiatives in #Europe, courses, jobs, conferences, & more www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYL9...
What is ERGA? - European Reference Genome Atlas
YouTube video by ERGA - European Reference Genome Atlas
www.youtube.com
Reposted by Rob Waterhouse
martykardos.bsky.social
Our Editorial for our upcoming special issue in Molecular Ecology: Conservation Genomics—Making a Difference onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Conservation Genomics—Making a Difference
Conservation genomics has increasingly transitioned from a promising concept to a science that integrates a range of advanced analytical approaches, providing new insights into inbreeding, genetic lo....
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
December 4, 2025 at 8:31 PM
rmwaterhouse.bsky.social
December 6, 2025 at 8:48 AM
rmwaterhouse.bsky.social
Connecting Swiss bioinformatics to the EU www.swisscore.org/connecting-s... a briefing from @swissmissioneu.bsky.social highlighting @sib.swiss participation in Horizon Europe projects @biogeneurope.bsky.social & UNCAN-Connect
Connecting Swiss bioinformatics to the EU - Swisscore
Swiss bioinformatics excellence strengthens EU research, from cancer data platforms to genomic tools for biodiversity and conservation.
www.swisscore.org
December 5, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Reposted by Rob Waterhouse
official-smbe.bsky.social
SMBE2026 Symposium 4 | Mining the archive: evolutionary genomics from public repositories

📨 Abstract submission
smbe2026.org/abstracts

📋 Programme details
smbe2026.org/programme

#SMBE2026
SMBE2026 Symposium 4 | Mining the archive: evolutionary genomics from public repositories
December 4, 2025 at 9:38 AM
Reposted by Rob Waterhouse
nature.com
Nature research paper: Dated gene duplications elucidate the evolutionary assembly of eukaryotes

go.nature.com/4azJDF8
Dated gene duplications elucidate the evolutionary assembly of eukaryotes - Nature
Analysis of eukaryotic gene sequences using a relaxed molecular clock methodology indicate that eukaryotes emerged 3.0–2.25 billion years ago as a result of mitochondrial endosymbiosis with complex archaea that already possessed an elaborated cytoskeleton, membrane trafficking, endomembrane, phagocytotic machinery and a nucleus.
go.nature.com
December 5, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Reposted by Rob Waterhouse
ergabiodiv.bsky.social
🔹 Phylogenomics workflows using #BUSCO genes: Genome-scale datasets are transforming biodiversity #genomics, but paralogy in BUSCO genes poses challenges for robust phylogenies. The goal is to develop a FAIR-compliant #phylogenomics pipeline to resolve paralogy and benchmark BUSCO gene performance.
September 26, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Reposted by Rob Waterhouse
woodwideants.bsky.social
One of the WWA missions is to bring research into high schools—sharing #biodiversity #genomics, #myrmecology, #entomology & #CitizenScience straight with students!📚🐜🧬🖥️

Learn more about our school programmes in the link in bio🌐🔗 #OpenScience #bugsky @ergabiodiv.bsky.social @biogeneurope.bsky.social
A photograph of a classroom or laboratory setting where a small group of students is engaged in a science activity. In the foreground, two students are looking through a microscope positioned on a desk. On the desk are papers, small pins, and an illustration of an ant. Other students are working at a separate table in the background. The WWA logo, featuring a black circle with a stylized red ant head, is visible in the bottom right corner. A photograph taken from above, showing a student's hands holding an open text document over a table with other papers, a tablet, and headphones. The visible text on the open document is in Italian and discusses the structure and characteristics of an ant's genome and body, mentioning the head, antennae, and abdomen. The tablet screen displays handwritten notes in Italian. The WWA logo, featuring a black circle with a stylized red ant head, is visible in the bottom right corner. A photograph taken outdoors, showing a student kneeling down, taking a picture with a silver smartphone of a dark, weathered wooden plank or pallet lying on a grassy area, partially covered in dirt. The WWA logo, featuring a black circle with a stylized red ant head, is visible in the bottom right corner. A photograph of three students in a dense, slightly overgrown garden or park area surrounded by apartment buildings. The foreground is dominated by various green plants and large agave succulents. Two students are standing close together among the foliage on the right, and a third one is standing on a paved path to the left, looking into the garden. The WWA logo, featuring a black circle with a stylized red ant head, is visible in the bottom right corner.
October 13, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Reposted by Rob Waterhouse
biogeneurope.bsky.social
The #conference marked the conclusion of BGE’s “Genome Applications” work package and had the goal to demonstrate the many different ways genomic #science is being used to help address real-world issues, such as #biodiversity conservation and the development of the #bioeconomy.
November 10, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Reposted by Rob Waterhouse
biogeneurope.bsky.social
The presentations emphasised the importance of fostering collaboration between the barcoding and reference genome communities in Europe, and represented BGE as a successful example of this.
#dna #biodiversity #europe #genomics #science
November 18, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Reposted by Rob Waterhouse
ebpgenome.bsky.social
🌍✨ Why genome sequence mega-diverse countries?
A handful of countries hold >70% of Earth’s terrestrial biodiversity — packed with species found nowhere else. These places are evolution’s playground… and extinction’s front line.

#Biodiversity 🌿 #GenomeSequencing 🧬
#Genomics 🔬 #ConservationGenomics 🌍
November 18, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Reposted by Rob Waterhouse
ergabiodiv.bsky.social
🕷️🕸️ New Reference genome available: Leviellus thorelli, a orb-weaving spider - a key resource for comparative studies of the #genomic basis of orb web and silk #evolution.

🔗https://open-research-europe.ec.europa.eu/articles/5-365

#Spider #genomics #genomes for #biodiversity @cnag-eu.bsky.social
December 4, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Reposted by Rob Waterhouse
official-smbe.bsky.social
Organisers
- Allie M Graham | University of Kansas
- Wynn Meyer | Lehigh University

Invited Speaker
- @rmwaterhouse.bsky.social | @sib.swiss
SMBE2026 Symposium 4 | Mining the archive: evolutionary genomics from public repositories Organisers - Allie M Graham — University of Kansas, USA (Female) - Wynn Meyer — Lehigh University, USA (Female) Invited Speaker - Robert M Waterhouse, PhD — SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Switzerland (Male)
December 4, 2025 at 9:38 AM
Reposted by Rob Waterhouse
ngscn-de.bsky.social
As the year draws to a close, join our final webinar on December 11th to explore the European Reference Genome Atlas with Camila Mazzoni.

When? 11.12.2025 at 11 CET
Where? Zoom, register here: rwth.zoom-x.de/meeting/regi...
December 3, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Reposted by Rob Waterhouse
ergabiodiv.bsky.social
🔊 New reference #genome for Xanthium orientale subsp. italicum - a valuable resource for understanding the genetic basis of invasiveness
🔗 open-research-europe.ec.europa.eu/articles/5-367

@genoscopeumr.bsky.social @genolage.bsky.social @biogeneurope.bsky.social
#invasivespecies #plantgenomes
December 3, 2025 at 8:52 AM
Reposted by Rob Waterhouse
leibnizlib.bsky.social
#LIBresearch: A new reference genome for Hanak’s bat (Pipistrellus hanaki) reveals its evolutionary history and supports conservation genomics and biodiversity research.
→ doi.org/10.12688/ope...

© CC, P. Georgiakakis, NHMC Crete
#Genomics #Conservation #Biodiversity #bats
A specimen of the species Pipistrellus hanaki.
December 3, 2025 at 9:39 AM
Reposted by Rob Waterhouse
ewanbirney.bsky.social
Richard so deserves this - a legend in bioinformatics and computational biology - work genome, human genome, Pfam, 1,000 genomes, Sam/bam format, bwa, vcf, psmc… and so many more
gensocuk.bsky.social Genetics Society UK @gensocuk.bsky.social · 23d
Congratulations to Richard Durbin on being awarded our Genetics Society Medal!
November 14, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Reposted by Rob Waterhouse
embo.org
Sign up now for EMBO Workshop "Molecular mechanisms of selfish elements and strategies" in Bern, Switzerland, 8–11 February 2026.

Abstract submission/Registration by: 15 December 2025/15 January 2026

https://meetings.embo.org/event/26-selfish-elements
#EMBOselfishElements #GeneSky #EMBOevents 🧪
Molecular mechanisms of selfish elements and strategies
Certain genes, chromosomes, organelles, or entire sets of chromosomes can bias their transmission to the next generation, propagating themselves at the expense of the rest of the genome. Referred to …
meetings.embo.org
October 29, 2025 at 7:20 AM
Reposted by Rob Waterhouse
ipbes.net
In February 2026, experts will gather in Manchester for #IPBES12 to assess business-biodiversity connections through IPBES #BizBiodiversity Assessment.

The city that transformed global commerce will now host discussions on transforming our relationship with nature.

💡 https://ipbes.canto.de/b/HJAGG
A promotional image for IPBES12 in Manchester showing the city's transformation. The layout features a title "From industrial revolution to nature restoration: Manchester Hosts #IPBES12" in green text. Below are two contrasting images of Manchester: On the left, a black and white historical photograph shows industrial-era Manchester with rows of terraced houses and multiple factory chimneys emitting smoke. On the right, a modern color photograph displays a green, tree-filled suburban area with a winding river and the contemporary Manchester skyline with high-rise buildings in the background. The event dates "3-8 FEBRUARY 2026 | #BIZBIODIVERSITY" appear at the bottom. The IPBES logo is visible in the top right corner.
November 28, 2025 at 8:25 AM
Reposted by Rob Waterhouse
elisabethbik.bsky.social
I will be giving several talks this coming week at universities in Switzerland: Lausanne, Neuchâtel, Basel, and Bern. Hope to see some of you there!
November 29, 2025 at 1:37 PM
rmwaterhouse.bsky.social
Biology26, Switzerland’s largest conference on organismal biology—held on Darwin’s birthday to celebrate the past, present, and future of biological research! biology26.ch
Deadline for registration and abstract submission - Dec. 5th
Join us in Neuchâtel for Biology26, Switzerland’s largest conference on organismal biology—held on Darwin’s birthday to celebrate the past, present, and future of biological research!
biology26.ch
November 30, 2025 at 11:25 AM
rmwaterhouse.bsky.social
Species sequenced by Project Psyche also contribute to the aims of other projects including ERGA and EBP www.cell.com/trends/ecolo...
Project Psyche: reference genomes for all Lepidoptera in Europe
Project Psyche is a transnational initiative to generate and study chromosome-level reference genomes of all ~11 000 species of Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) found in Europe. Here, we describe t...
www.cell.com
November 29, 2025 at 12:28 PM
rmwaterhouse.bsky.social
The bioeconomy has the potential to advance the EU’s environmental goals, developing a circular economy without damaging nature. environment.ec.europa.eu/strategy/bio...
Bioeconomy Strategy
The EU Bioeconomy Strategy will boost innovation, competitiveness and green jobs, while promoting circular and sustainable production.
environment.ec.europa.eu
November 29, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Reposted by Rob Waterhouse
embl.org
Anthony A. Hyman will become EMBL’s next Director General.

He joins EMBL from @mpi-cbg.de in Dresden. He is also Professor of Molecular Biology @tudresden.bsky.social, and was a group leader at EMBL Heidelberg from 1993 to 1999.

www.embl.org/news/people-...
November 27, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Reposted by Rob Waterhouse
wslresearch.bsky.social
#PostDoc Alert! PhD in #Biology or #EnvironmentalSciences? Strong background in #ForestEcology, DNA-based biodiversity assessments, #Bioinformatics, and experimental planning? Our #ForestEntomology Group offers a 2-year #PostDoc position 🌳🧬💻: apply.refline.ch/273855/1798/... #ScienceJobs #eDNA
Job offer: PostDoc in “Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in European forests in the face of global changes” 80-100% (f/m/d) The aim of the projects is to investigate the impact of global changes on temperate forests toward designing management plans that allows ecosystem resilience and high levels of biodiversity. Within these projects, you will develop standard and more efficient ecological monitoring methodologies to understand how different aspects of biodiversity and/or associated ecosystem processes, in particular deadwood decomposition, in forests are altered by global change factors such as climate change, disturbances, and management-induced structural changes at different spatial and temporal scales. Through this research, you will gain a better mechanistic understanding of these relationships as a basis for predicting future changes related to management decisions and climate change. To measure biodiversity, you will use cutting-edge DNA-based methods, such as e-DNA metabarcoding of fungi, from soil and dead wood, and detecting arthropods and mammals from vegetation surfaces. Data on biodiversity and forest functions will be analyzed in an interdisciplinary manner. Depending on your skills and expertise, you can focus on more technical aspects of biodiversity quantification using eDNA, fundamental ecological research questions on modelling ecosystem processes or the more applied design of management practices. You are expected to publish your findings in high-impact journals and present them at international conferences. You hold a PhD degree in Biology or Environmental Sciences or in a related field and have a strong background forest ecology, in DNA-based biodiversity assessments (e-DNA metabarcoding), bioinformatics and multivariate statistical analyses, and/or experimental planning. Furthermore, we expect very good knowledge in R programming, a good command of English, as well as strong skills in scientific paper writing.
November 28, 2025 at 7:38 AM
Reposted by Rob Waterhouse
yanjiexu.bsky.social
It’s a great honor to be involved in @ipbes.net #2ndGlobalAssessment! As a FELLOW!!!

This week we had our First Authors’ Meeting at UNESCO - Thanks to everyone for making the amazing week 🫶🌏🕊️
November 28, 2025 at 8:53 PM