1. Biodiversity Genomics Europe (BGE) Project – abridged grant proposalDimitris Koureas, Pedro Beja, Mark L. Blaxter, Astrid Böhne, Sarah J. Bourlat, Torbjørn Ekrem, Brent C. Emerson, Katharina F. Heil, José Melo-Ferreira, Ben Price, Elena Bužan, Laura Iacolina, 2026, review article Abstract: The Biodiversity Genomics Europe (BGE) Project has the overarching aim of accelerating the use of genomic science to enhance understanding of biodiversity, monitor biodiversity change, and guide interventions to address its decline. The BGE Project comprises activities focused on DNA Barcoding (Barcoding Stream) and Reference Genome Generation (Genomes Stream) for eukaryotic species across Europe, bringing together two European networks: the International Barcode of Life in Europe (iBOL Europe) and the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA). This publication is an abridged version of the successful grant proposal developed jointly by iBOL Europe and ERGA in response to the Horizon Europe call HORIZON-CL6-2021-BIODIV-01-01. Two key strands of genomic science form the basis of this proposal: DNA barcoding - sequencing short, standardised genomic regions to tell the world’s species apart, transforming the speed of completion of the inventory of life on Earth and providing the foundations of a global bio-surveillance system for biodiversity; and genome sequencing - generating high-quality complete reference genomes for all species on Earth, transforming understanding of biodiversity at the genetic level, and delivering fundamental knowledge of how biological systems function and how species respond and adapt to environmental change. The BGE Project objectives are focused on (i) Capacity: To establish functioning biodiversity genomics networks at the European level to connect and grow community capacity to use genomic tools to tackle the biodiversity crisis; (ii) Production: To establish and implement large-scale biodiversity genomic data generation pipelines for Europe to accelerate the production and accessibility of genomic data for biodiversity characterisation, conservation, and biomonitoring; and (iii) Application: To apply genomic tools to enhance understanding of pan-European biodiversity and biodiversity declines to improve the efficacy of management interventions and biomonitoring programmes.
Keywords: biodiversity genomics, DNA barcodes, ERGA, Horizon Europe, iBOL Europe, reference genomes
Published in RUP: 03.03.2026; Views: 122; Downloads: 6
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2. At the crossroads of continents : ancient DNA insights into the maternal and paternal population history of CroatiaDamir Marjanović, Jelena Šarac, Dubravka Havaš Auguštin, Mario Novak, Željana Bašić, Ivana Kružić, Natalija Novokmet, Olivia Cheronet, Pere Gelabert, Ron Pinhasi, Gordan Lauc, Dragan Primorac, 2026, original scientific article Keywords: mtDNA, Y chromosome, ancient DNA, Croatia, Croatian (pre)history
Published in RUP: 21.01.2026; Views: 314; Downloads: 4
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3. Multidisciplinary study of human remains from the 3rd century mass grave in the Roman city of Mursa, CroatiaMario Novak, Orhan Efe Efe Yavuz, Mario Carić, Slavica Filipović, Cosimo Posth, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: During excavations in 2011, a peculiar archaeological feature representing a mass grave with seven completely preserved skeletons was discovered at the site of the Roman period city of Mursa (modern-day Osijek, Croatia). The archaeological context and direct radiocarbon dating indicate that the bodies were interred during the mid-3rd century CE. Bioarchaeological analysis shows that all seven individuals are adult males exhibiting numerous pathological lesions (e.g., enthesopathies, injuries). Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes analysis indicates they had a mixed C3/C4-based vegetal diet with limited amounts of terrestrial animal protein and a very limited marine protein consumption. Ancient DNA analysis shows that individuals from the Mursa mass grave had a heterogenous ancestry. None of them show genetic continuity with the preceding local Early Iron Age population. The presented multidisciplinary analyses of the Mursa mass grave strongly suggest that the studied individuals were Roman soldiers, victims of a catastrophic event occurring as the result of the ‘Crisis of the Third Century’, most probably the battle of Mursa from 260 CE.
Keywords: battle, bioarchaeology, ancient DNA, Late Antiquity
Published in RUP: 17.10.2025; Views: 414; Downloads: 7
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