Long-read sequencing

Assemble eukaryotic genomes by combining long-read sequencing with chromatin-contact data. Practical work progresses from read manipulation and k-mer analysis through assembly algorithms, removal of duplicated haplotigs and Hi-C scaffolding. Participants assess contiguity, sequence accuracy and gene completeness with approaches including Merqury and BUSCO, and finish by comparing results from small eukaryotic datasets. The theoretical component explains how repeats, heterozygosity and sequencing technologies influence assembly choices. Sessions: 9–13 November, 14:00–20:00 daily, Europe/Berlin

Three presentations examine how long-read sequencing can improve biodiversity resources and their use in conservation and environmental decisions. Evgeny Glazov introduces amplification-free nanopore sequencing, direct detection of base modifications and flexible read lengths for natural-resource research. Kara Dicks discusses scaling bird and fish reference assemblies through the Tree of Life programme. The presentation addresses completeness of genes, repeats and regulatory regions, difficult avian microchromosomes and GC-rich sequences, and the balance between standardized production and a