DNA METABARCODING: How to analyze next-generation sequencing data for biodiversity monitoring
From 15 Jun 2026 until 19 Jun 2026 - BIOPOLIS-CIBIO, Vairão, Portugal (Face-to-face)
DNA metabarcoding is now widely used to explore biodiversity patterns and food webs across diverse habitats and ecosystems. This method enables the identification of multiple organisms in complex samples, such as air, water, feces, soil, or bulk biological material, by amplifying taxonomically informative genomic regions. Significant progress has been made in developing this approach, driven by the need for a simple, rapid, and cost-effective solution. However, the successful application of DNA metabarcoding requires expertise in multiple fields, including traditional and DNA-based taxonomy, molecular biology, next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, bioinformatics, and computational statistics. Poorly informed technical decisions at any stage of the workflow can compromise the quality of results. This course is designed to address the intricacies of each step in the DNA metabarcoding bioinformatic pipeline and provide guidance on best practices, while fostering critical thinking. The main objective is to equip participants with essential tools for robust data processing and analysis in DNA metabarcoding.
With a strong emphasis on hands-on bioinformatics and statistical analysis, participants are expected to bring their own laptop and have prior experience working in the Bash and R environments. The class is planned for Windows or Linux systems, so if you have a macOS, our ability to support you will be limited.
As this course focuses on bioinformatics and statistical analysis, sampling and laboratory workflows are covered only briefly. Participants interested in practical field and lab training should register on From Environmental Clues to Wildlife Monitoring: The Power of eDNA.
PROGRAM
Day 01 | June 15, 2026
9:45-13:00 Course Introduction
14:00-17:45 Bioinformatic introduction
Day 02 | June 16, 2026
9:45-13:00 Lectures on Bioinformatic procedures
14:00-17:45 Hands-on I: from fastqs to OTUs
Day 03 | June 17, 2026
9:45-13:00 Lectures on Taxonomic assignment and data curation
14:00-17:45 Hands-on II: from OTUs to species
Day 04 | June 18, 2026
9:45-13:00 OTU table curation
14:00-17:45 Statistical analysis
Day 05 | June 19, 2026
9:45-13:00 Group presentation preparation
14:00-17:45 Group presentations
Students will need to use their personal laptops for this course and to install specific software. The respective instructions will be sent by email one week prior to the course's start.
CALENDAR
5 days - 35h - Schedule: 09:45 - 13:00 & 14:00 - 17:45
COURSE INSTRUCTORS
Coordination
Vanessa Mata | BIOPOLIS/ CIBIO-InBIO
Instructor (s)
Joana Veríssimo | BIOPOLIS/ CIBIO-InBIO
Luis P. da Silva | BIOPOLIS/ CIBIO-InBIO
SELECTION CRITERIA
The course will be open to a maximum number of 16 participants.
75% of available student slots are reserved for BIODIV students.
Priority will be given to:
• 1st year and other PhD students attending the BIODIV Doctoral Program;
• PhD students attending other courses;
• Other post-graduate students and researchers.
(A minimum number of participants is required for the course to take place)
APPLICATION
Deadline: 02 May 2026
To apply fill the FORM
A copy of your submitted form will be sent to the email address you provided. This email is your confirmation that the application was successfully submitted.
If you don't receive this email, your application was not successfully submitted.
We will email you the results within 10 working days after the application deadline.
REGISTRATION
95€ (students) | 200€ (other participants).
BIOPOLIS/ CIBIO members will have an additional discount of 20%.
Participation is free of charge for BIODIV Students (M BGE & PhD) & CIBIO's TwinLabs members.
(If applicable, payment will be made to Associação BIOPOLIS - VAT No. 516033727. Information on the payment amount and the payment deadline will be sent together with the results notification, and a proforma invoice may be issued in due time).
MORE INFORMATION
Registration fees do not include accommodation or meals.
No ECTS credits are awarded for attending the course. Participants receive a certificate of attendance without a quantitative evaluation.
CONTACT
Education & Training Unit (Post graduation office)
+351 252 660 425