We are

Expanding knowledge of life on our planet by combining DNA sequencing, digital imaging, and high-performance computing

What is the

Centre for Biodiversity Genomics?

The global leader in the development and application of DNA-based systems for species identification.
The CBG employs sequence diversity in short, standardized gene regions (DNA barcodes) to enable fast, inexpensive, and accurate species discrimination. This approach and its derived technologies (eDNA, metabarcoding) are transforming humanity’s capacity to understand and protect biodiversity.

We are

Preserving Biodiversity

The CBG curates a DNA archive with extracts from more than 250,000 species and a voucher collection with more than 14 million specimens.

Leading innovation

Canada’s first Sequel II DNA sequencer was activated at the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics.

Automating high-res imaging

The CBG employs scanning microscopes to generate millions of high-resolution images each year.

Experts in DNA Technologies

The sequencing facility of the CBG offers the latest in DNA barcoding technology, research, and innovation.

3M+

DNA barcodes generated per year

20M+

Specimen records stored on BOLD

14M+

Digitized specimens in our collection

3M+

Specimen images generated per year

Key Funders

Land Acknowledgement

These kinds of relationships require careful cultivation and recognition that they will evolve over time. We re-affirm our commitment to learn to be humble and to continue this journey in a good way.

We acknowledge that the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics resides on the treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit. We uphold the significance of the Dish with One Spoon Covenant and the continuing relationship our Indigenous neighbours have with this land. We recognize that today this gathering place is home to many First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and acknowledging them reminds us of our relationships to this land where we learn and work.

We would also like to acknowledge the traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples around the world, their right to self-determination and sovereignty and their relationships to all aspects of creation since time immemorial. We acknowledge the diversity of Indigenous Nations, territories, and communities and each of their unique relationships to land. Through our collective work, we acknowledge with great respect and give voice to all life on planet Earth and honour the sacred relationships between people, nature, and biodiversity.

We are committed to honouring and upholding the 46 articles of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We will engage with a variety of Indigenous knowledge holders to ensure a diversity of perspectives.