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Here is the program for next week’s webinar “Why gene banking”

Date: 2021.06.16

Are you working with animal genetic resources? Are you interested in or planning to participate in gene banking activities? We invite those of you who are working with farm animal genetic resources to an online webinar “Why gene banking” to discuss the current situation in Nordic countries.

The webinar takes place online on Teams June 23 at 09:00 to 12:00.

The NordFrost network & the aim of the webinar

The state-of-art in Nordic cryoconservation activities in farm animals was determined as a case study in IMAGE EU Horizon 2020 project. It revealed a large variation in goals and risk factors for gene banks in Nordic countries. This survey will be used as a basis for preparation of recommendations for regional cryoconservation activities to increase resilience of agriculture in the Nordic region.  

The long-term goal is to strengthen Nordic cooperation in the cryoconservation of farm animal biodiversity through working towards a pan-Nordic genebank.  

The webinar is the first step to establish networking activities within and across the Nordic countries among stakeholders in research, advisory service, technical service and policy makers to support development of a Nordic collaboration.    

Program

9.00 Welcome and introduction to the webinar. Senior Scientist Morten Kargo Aarhus University, NordFrost network.   

9.05 Introduction to the NordFrost and the current status of Nordic gene banking. A case report in IMAGE EU Horizon 2020.  Section leader Mervi Honkatukia, NordGen Farm Animals, NordFrost network. 

9.20 Benefits of conserving agricultural genetic resources in Finland: Summary of recent Finnish research and setting it in the international context. Researcher Annika Tienhaara, Natural Resources Institute Finland, Luke, NordFrost network.

9.40 Introduction on genebank activities in Europe. Director Sipke Joost Hiemstra, the Centre for Genetic Resources, the Netherlands (CGN).     

10.00 The Frozen Ark: Saving the DNA and viable cells of the world’s endangered species.  Professor Mike Bruford, Cardiff University. 

10.30 Introduction of Biobank AS. Director Sigbjørn Gregusson, Biobank AS. 

10.50 How to secure/develop the original Nordic red breeds? Chairman Per Johan, the RDC group in Viking Genetics. 

Small group discussions of experiences, possibilities, and other input to the NordFrost network

 1. Outreach activities – informing and educating the public (and students to engage next generation of experts?) of the importance of genetic resource banking.

2. Current technological limitations (bottlenecks) in the cryopreservation of animal germplasm – future research priorities.

3. Practical solutions to strengthen the conservation:

Protocols from identification to the conservation of AnGR

Financing options of ex situ gene banks

Biosecurity protocols, which will facilitate the movement of biomaterials across borders

Any need for urgent action? Will a common Nordic backup genebank be useful?

Contact

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact anyone of us.  

We ask you kindly to register at latest 21st of June noon at 12 o’clock (farm-animals@nordgen.org).  