Generating solutions

The International Barcode of Life Project (iBOL), led by Paul Hebert at the University of Guelph, is the largest biodiversity genomics initiative ever undertaken. Over 250 researchers from 25 countries are working together to construct a DNA barcode reference library that will be the foundation for a rapid and inexpensive DNA-based identification system for all multi-cellular life. In the first phase of operations (2009-2015), iBOL collaborators plan to barcode five million specimens representing 500,000 species. The resource being generated by iBOL enables many practical and commercial opportunities related to health, trade, environment, agriculture, and food, providing significant benefits to Canada. http://ibol.org/