MIRRI-ERIC at Empowering Biodiversity Research Conference 2024

Photo credit: Empowering Biodiversity Research Conference

Ana Portugal Melo, the Executive Director of Microbial Resource Research Infrastructure - MIRRI-ERIC, participated in the Empowering Biodiversity Research conference, EBR III, at the Naturalis Biodiversity Centre in Leiden, Netherlands. The conference served as a platform to explore the latest developments in biodiversity informatics and its intersection with policy.

Ana Portugal Melo's presentation, titled "Unlocking the Hidden Treasure: MIRRI-ERIC's Role in Facilitating Access to Culture Collection Data", shed light on MIRRI-ERIC's pivotal role in advancing bioscience and bioindustry endeavours.

As an ESFRI Landmark, MIRRI-ERIC stands as a beacon for collaboration, offering a centralised platform for accessing high-quality bioresources and associated data while adhering to European-level data policies. Established as a legal entity in Portugal and headquartered at the University of Minho, Braga, MIRRI-ERIC has rapidly evolved into a cornerstone of microbial biodiversity preservation and scientific inquiry. With membership spanning across five Member States and an additional Observer, MIRRI-ERIC exemplifies European cooperation in resource sharing and collaboration.

Aligned with the European Union Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the European Commission's Open Science Policy, MIRRI-ERIC's strategic objectives for 2024-2028 aim at consolidation, growth, empowerment, and leveraging of resources. The institution 1/2 spearheads the Microbes4Climate Horizon Europe project, facilitating global access to integrated services crucial for biodiversity research.

At EBR III 2024, attendees delved into the world of biodiversity informatics, exploring tools, standards, and initiatives driving progress in the field. Alongside renowned entities such as GBIF, ELIXIR, and Lifewatch, Ana Portugal Melo introduced attendees to MIRRI ERIC's initiatives, emphasising the importance of bridging the gap between research and policy.

Additionally, MIRRI-Belgium, represented by Annick Wilmotte from ULiège, participated with a poster titled "BCCM - Belgian Coordinated Collections of Microorganisms at the heart of the ex situ microbial biodiversity conservation". Their contribution further enriched the dialogue surrounding microbial biodiversity preservation and highlighted the essential role of culture collections in this endeavour.

The conference, organised in conjunction with the 2024 ARISE day, promises a comprehensive program featuring keynotes, information sessions, poster presentations, and a state-of-the-art Biodiversity Informatics market. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with leading experts and explore groundbreaking advancements shaping the future of biodiversity research and conservation.