How Arizona State University Is Decoding Wildlife DNA to Advance Biodiversity Genomics and Conservation Efforts in the USA

The genetic code embedded within every living organism holds answers to some of the most pressing questions in medicine, agriculture, environmental science, and conservation. Recognizing this immense potential, the National Science Foundation has awarded $11.9 million to a collaborative project co-led by Arizona State University that will establish a national infrastructure for sequencing and analyzing the DNA of critical wildlife species. This initiative, known as Designing Scalable Community-driven Infrastructure to Support Biodiversity Genomics (SCIBG), represents a significant leap forward in how researchers across the USA approach the study and preservation of our natural world.

For students, researchers, and professionals interested in biodiversity genomics and conservation efforts, this project offers a glimpse into the future of biological research—one where openly accessible genomic data drives innovation across multiple disciplines. If you are considering a career in genomics, conservation biology, or environmental science, understanding the scope and implications of this initiative is essential. Explore how ASU’s School of Life Sciences and the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory are shaping the next generation of biodiversity research and discover the opportunities available in this rapidly expanding field.

What Is Biodiversity Genomics and Why Does It Matter?

Biodiversity genomics is the science of reading, understanding, and applying the genetic information of Earth’s diverse species. Every animal, plant, fungus, and protist carries within its cells a complete set of instructions—its genome—that determines its biology, adaptations, and evolutionary history. By sequencing these genomes, scientists can identify the genetic basis of disease resistance in wildlife, understand how species adapt to environmental changes, and develop new approaches to conservation that are informed by hard genetic data rather than observation alone.

The applications extend far beyond ecology. Genetic insights derived from wildlife DNA have led to breakthrough medicines inspired by compounds found in rare species, resilient crops engineered with traits from wild plant relatives, and high-performance biomaterials modeled on the structures found in nature. When researchers can access high-quality reference genomes for a wide range of species, they gain a powerful toolset for addressing challenges in human health, food security, and environmental management.

The scale of the challenge is enormous. Scientists estimate that there are approximately 1.8 million known eukaryotic species on Earth—encompassing all animals, plants, fungi, and protists—yet only a tiny fraction have had their genomes sequenced to a high standard. Closing this gap is the central mission of the international Earth BioGenome Project, which is currently headquartered at ASU’s Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory.

Arizona State University’s Role in the National Genomics Infrastructure

Arizona State University occupies a unique position in the landscape of American biodiversity research. Situated in the Sonoran Desert—one of the most biologically distinctive regions in North America—the university is surrounded by species found nowhere else on the planet, from the iconic saguaro cactus to the Gila monster. This environment provides an ideal natural laboratory for studying adaptation, speciation, and ecosystem dynamics.

ASU’s institutional capabilities further strengthen its role as a hub for biodiversity genomics. The Center for Biological Collections and Discovery houses millions of biological specimens from around the world, while the Desert Southwest Genomics Center possesses the technical capacity to generate reference-quality genome assemblies. These resources, combined with the university’s expertise in data science, ethics, and community engagement, make it an ideal lead institution for a project of this scope.

SCIBG operates as a U.S. hub for the Earth BioGenome Project, coordinating the collection, storage, and sequencing of samples from species across the country. The project involves a collaborative partnership between ASU, Rockefeller University, and the University of Kansas, bringing together complementary strengths in genomics, field biology, and data management.

The pipeline being developed through SCIBG will standardize how DNA samples are collected from wild populations, preserved in biorepositories, and converted into high-quality reference genomes that are deposited in public databases such as GenBank, operated by the National Center for Biotechnology Information. This ensures that researchers nationwide can access reliable genomic data to support their own investigations, whether they are studying cancer biology, crop improvement, or ecosystem restoration.

Interested in how genomic data is transforming biological research? Learn more about ASU’s genomics programs and research centers to see how you can contribute to this growing field.

Community Access Sequencing: Democratizing Wildlife DNA Research

One of the most innovative aspects of the SCIBG project is its Community Access Sequencing Program, led by Harris Lewin, a research professor in the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University. This program establishes a peer-reviewed system through which any researcher in the USA can nominate a species for whole-genome sequencing.

The selection criteria balance the scientific goals of the Earth BioGenome Project with broader societal needs. Species may be prioritized based on their importance to ecosystem health, their potential contributions to medicine or biotechnology, their conservation status, or their agricultural significance. This approach ensures that the genomic resources generated through SCIBG address real-world challenges and deliver tangible benefits to society.

For early-career researchers and graduate students, this open-access model represents an unprecedented opportunity. Rather than needing to secure millions of dollars in sequencing funding independently, scientists at any institution can leverage the national infrastructure to obtain reference genomes for their organisms of study. This democratization of genomic resources has the potential to accelerate discovery across the biological sciences and reduce disparities in research capacity between well-funded and under-resourced institutions.

Open Data with Responsible Governance

While open access to genomic data is a core principle of the project, SCIBG also recognizes that not all data should be immediately and unconditionally released. Krystal Tsosie, an assistant professor in ASU’s School of Life Sciences and a member of the Navajo Nation, leads the effort to establish governance frameworks that respect Indigenous data sovereignty, species conservation concerns, and biosecurity considerations.

The concept of open data with appropriate safeguards—what the project team describes as “open data with proper gates”—reflects a maturing understanding within the genomics community that scientific progress must be balanced with ethical responsibility. Before genomic data for a particular species is made publicly available, the project team evaluates relevant legal frameworks, the conservation status of the species, and any potential risks associated with unrestricted access to its genetic information.

Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Ethical Wildlife DNA Collection

One of the most significant contributions Arizona State University brings to this project is its commitment to respectful engagement with tribal nations. ASU’s campuses are located on the homelands of Indigenous peoples, including the Akimel O’odham and Pee Posh, and the state of Arizona is home to 22 tribal nations with deep traditional knowledge of local wildlife and ecosystems.

Historically, biological sampling on Indigenous lands often occurred without permission, acknowledgment, or benefit-sharing with the communities who served as stewards of those landscapes. SCIBG is working to address this legacy through several concrete measures:

• Traditional knowledge labels: The project is piloting the addition of cultural context labels to species already preserved in ASU’s biological collections and to future samples collected in partnership with tribal nations. These labels ensure that a species’ cultural significance and the stewardship contributions of Indigenous communities are permanently associated with its genomic record.
• Collaborative protocols: Field sampling conducted through SCIBG follows established protocols for engaging with tribal authorities and obtaining appropriate permissions before collecting on Indigenous lands.
• Decision-making input: Tribal experts are consulted regarding the cultural relevance of species—for example, whether a plant is considered sacred—and these consultations inform decisions about whether genomic data should be made publicly available.

This framework for ethical data governance sets a precedent for how large-scale biodiversity projects can operate in partnership with, rather than at the expense of, Indigenous communities. For students and researchers entering the field of biodiversity genomics, understanding these ethical dimensions is no longer optional—it is a fundamental professional competency.

Want to learn more about ethical practices in genomics research? Explore ASU’s initiatives in Indigenous data sovereignty and community-driven science.

Training the Next Generation of Genomics Professionals

A critical component of the SCIBG project involves workforce development and community education. Jay Goldberg, an assistant professor in ASU’s School of Life Sciences and a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, is developing training materials designed to build capacity for genomics research among students, early-career researchers, and community members.

The hands-on course being developed will provide practical experience with the complete pipeline of reference genome production—from sample collection and DNA extraction through sequencing, assembly, and quality assessment. This type of training is invaluable for anyone seeking to enter the field of biodiversity genomics, as it bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and the technical skills demanded by research laboratories, biotechnology companies, and conservation organizations.

Goldberg emphasizes that the goal extends beyond simply teaching technical skills. The training program is designed to empower Indigenous communities with the knowledge and capabilities needed to participate as full collaborators in genomics research—not merely as sample providers, but as intellectual partners who contribute to research design, interpretation, and application.

For aspiring geneticists and conservation biologists, programs like this offer a pathway into a field that is rapidly growing in importance and scope. The demand for professionals who can navigate both the technical and ethical dimensions of genomics is expected to increase as more institutions invest in biodiversity sequencing initiatives.

The Library of Life: Biological Collections as Scientific Infrastructure

Hojun Song, a professor in ASU’s School of Life Sciences and director of the Center for Biological Collections and Discovery, leads the field sampling component of SCIBG. His work involves collecting specimens at sites that are part of the NSF’s National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) and identifying species already preserved in ASU’s extensive collections that are suitable candidates for DNA sampling.

Biological collections—including natural history museums, herbaria, and biorepositories—serve as irreplaceable physical archives of Earth’s biodiversity. These facilities preserve specimens such as dried plants, pinned insects, and cryopreserved tissues that serve as definitive reference points for thousands of species. Rather than being static repositories of the past, modern biological collections function as active research centers where scientists can compare historical specimens with contemporary field observations to document changes over decades and even centuries.

The NEON Biorepository at ASU represents a particularly important resource for biodiversity genomics in the USA. By storing samples collected from standardized ecological monitoring sites across the country in cryogenic conditions, it ensures that high-quality genetic material is available for current and future research. This infrastructure supports longitudinal studies of how species’ genomes change in response to environmental pressures, providing insights that are critical for predicting and mitigating the impacts of climate change on biodiversity.

Curious about careers in biological collections management or cryopreservation? Discover the training programs and research opportunities available through ASU’s biocollections.

Implications for Conservation Efforts Across the USA

The genomic resources generated through SCIBG will have direct and measurable impacts on conservation efforts nationwide. When wildlife managers have access to reference genomes for at-risk species, they can make more informed decisions about population management, habitat restoration, and species recovery programs. Genetic data reveals critical information about population structure, inbreeding levels, adaptive potential, and evolutionary relationships that cannot be determined through field observation alone.

For example, understanding the genetic diversity of a small, isolated population of endangered animals can inform decisions about whether genetic rescue through the introduction of individuals from other populations is needed. Similarly, identifying the genetic basis of resistance to diseases such as white-nose syndrome in bats or chronic wasting disease in deer can guide breeding programs and management strategies.

At the ecosystem level, biodiversity genomics enables researchers to monitor environmental health through DNA-based methods such as environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, where genetic material shed by organisms into water or soil is used to detect species presence without direct observation. This approach is revolutionizing how biodiversity surveys are conducted, making them faster, less invasive, and more comprehensive.

The national record of U.S. biodiversity being created through SCIBG also has implications for biosecurity and national preparedness. Understanding the genetic makeup of native species—and being able to detect when invasive species or pathogens are introduced—strengthens the country’s ability to respond to biological threats.

Connection to the Earth BioGenome Project

SCIBG is not operating in isolation. It serves as a key U.S. hub for the Earth BioGenome Project, an international consortium that aims to sequence the genomes of all 1.8 million known eukaryotic species on Earth within a decade. This unprecedented scientific endeavor requires coordination among research institutions on every continent, standardized protocols for sample collection and genome assembly, and shared databases that make data accessible to the global scientific community.

Arizona State University’s leadership role in this international effort, through both the Earth BioGenome Project headquarters at the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory and the SCIBG initiative, positions the university at the forefront of one of the most ambitious scientific undertakings of the 21st century. The insights gained from cataloging the genetic diversity of life on Earth will inform research across biology, medicine, agriculture, and environmental science for generations to come.

For students considering graduate programs in genomics, evolutionary biology, or conservation science, the opportunity to contribute to a project of this magnitude is rare. The infrastructure being built at ASU and its partner institutions will support research questions that have not yet been imagined, and the training provided through programs like those developed by Goldberg will prepare the workforce needed to realize the project’s full potential.

Ready to explore how you can contribute to global biodiversity genomics? Learn more about ASU’s degree programs and research opportunities in the life sciences.

The Broader Impact on Science and Society

The implications of large-scale biodiversity genomics extend well beyond academic research. The genomic data generated through projects like SCIBG serves as a foundation for innovation in multiple sectors of the economy:

• Pharmaceutical development: Many of the most important drugs in use today were derived from compounds found in nature. Access to the genomes of diverse species accelerates the identification of novel bioactive compounds and the understanding of how organisms produce them.
• Agricultural improvement: Wild relatives of crop plants carry genetic traits for drought tolerance, pest resistance, and nutritional quality. Sequencing these genomes enables plant breeders to incorporate valuable traits into cultivated varieties more efficiently.
• Biomaterials engineering: Nature has evolved materials with extraordinary properties—from spider silk to abalone shell. Understanding the genetic basis for these materials opens avenues for developing new sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials.
• Ecosystem services: Healthy ecosystems provide services worth trillions of dollars annually, including pollination, water purification, and carbon sequestration. Genomic tools help scientists understand and protect the biodiversity that underpins these services.

As Harris Lewin notes, genomic data functions as part of a massive infrastructure that supports research across all these domains. Every modern biological discipline uses genomic information in some capacity to answer critical questions, and the comprehensive catalog of species genomes being built through SCIBG and the Earth BioGenome Project will expand the scope of what is possible.

Getting Involved in Biodiversity Genomics

For students and professionals inspired by the work being done at Arizona State University and its partner institutions, there are multiple pathways to engagement with biodiversity genomics:

• Undergraduate education: Degrees in biology, conservation biology, bioinformatics, or environmental science provide foundational knowledge for careers in genomics.
• Graduate research: Master’s and doctoral programs in the life sciences offer opportunities to contribute directly to biodiversity sequencing projects and develop specialized expertise.
• Professional training: Workshops and certificate programs in genomics, bioinformatics, and data science provide practical skills for researchers and professionals transitioning into the field.
• Community science: Many biodiversity projects welcome participation from citizen scientists and community members who can contribute to sample collection, species identification, and data annotation.

The field of biodiversity genomics is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing on expertise from molecular biology, ecology, computer science, ethics, and social science. This diversity of perspectives strengthens the science and ensures that its applications are equitable and beneficial.

Have questions about starting a career in biodiversity genomics or conservation science? Reach out to learn more about educational pathways and research opportunities.

A Model for Responsible, Community-Driven Science

What sets the SCIBG project apart from previous large-scale genomic initiatives is its intentional integration of ethical frameworks, community engagement, and Indigenous data sovereignty into its core operations. Rather than treating these considerations as afterthoughts or regulatory hurdles, the project team at Arizona State University has made them central to the project’s design and implementation.

This approach reflects a broader shift in how scientific institutions are thinking about their responsibilities to the communities and ecosystems they study. As Krystal Tsosie emphasizes, the science cannot be separated from its implications for people. By building relationships with tribal nations, respecting traditional knowledge, and ensuring that benefits from genomic research are shared equitably, SCIBG is establishing a model that other institutions can follow.

For the next generation of scientists, this means that success in biodiversity genomics requires more than technical proficiency with sequencers and bioinformatics pipelines. It demands cultural competency, ethical reasoning, and a commitment to collaborative partnership with the communities who are the stewards of the biodiversity being studied.

The $11.9 million investment by the National Science Foundation in this project represents more than funding for laboratory equipment and personnel. It is an investment in a vision of science that is open, ethical, and responsive to the needs of both nature and society. As the project progresses and generates reference genomes for hundreds of species, the benefits will accrue not only to researchers but to all who depend on healthy ecosystems, new medicines, and sustainable technologies.

The work being done at Arizona State University, Rockefeller University, and the University of Kansas through SCIBG demonstrates that large-scale scientific infrastructure can and should be built with community input, ethical safeguards, and a commitment to equity. As biodiversity genomics continues to grow as a field, the principles and practices established by this project will shape how similar initiatives are designed around the world.

Share your thoughts on the future of biodiversity genomics and conservation efforts in the comments below, and explore our related articles to learn more about groundbreaking research in environmental science.