Metabarcoding data

Context

GBIF has recently launched the pilot phase for the Metabarcoding Data Programme, intended to improve GBIF’s integration of DNA metabarcoding data on biodiversity. In part a response to the ongoing effort to enrich the GBIF data model, the programme establishes a framework for GBIF nodes to support and engage communities of researchers who collect and manage such evidence using a newly developed tool, the Metabarcoding Data Toolkit (MDT).

Learning objectives

After completing this module, you should be able to perform the following:

  • Define and explain what DNA metabarcoding data are

  • Describe the significance of metabarcoding data

  • Identify the key components and workflow of metabarcoding data processing

  • Identify opportunities for working with the DNA community

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the Metabarcoding Data Toolkit (MDT)

  • Standardize and format metabarcoding datasets

  • Publish metabarcoding datasets to GBIF

Trainers

The following trainers have developed the content for this topic:

Luke Jimu, Node Manager, Zimbabwe

Stephen Formel, Data Officer, OBIS Secretariat

Secretariat consultant: Tobias Frøslev

Preparation

Complete the following activities to prepare for the onsite sessions:

  1. Explore the materials on the Metabarcoding data programme.

  2. Create an account on GBIF.org (if you don’t already have one).

  3. Login to https://mdt.gbif-test.org/ using your GBIF.org username/password.