LOEWE Centre for
Translational Biodiversity Genomics
Understanding the genomic basis of biodiversity
Photos: © Andy Murray chaosofdelight.org, © Florian Schulz florianschulz.org and others
Biodiversity is the result of 3.5 billion years of evolution and one of the most complex phenomena on earth. The LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics focusses on the genetic basis of biological diversity to make it accessible for basic and applied research. We sequence and study genomic variation across the tree of life to comprehend the origin and functional adaptations of diversity from genes to ecosystems (Comparative Genomics). The data addresses societal knowledge demands in applied fields, such as the genomic basis of biologically active substances (Natural Products Genomics), and the sustainable use and management of biological resources (Genomic Biomonitoring; Functional Environmental Genomics).
Genomic diversity as a basis for biodiversity
Main Objectives of TBG
- establish a new and taxonomically broad genome collection, the Senckenberg Biodiversity Genome Collection (SBGC) as an innovative digital and specimen-based museum collection
- compare genomic diversity across the tree of life to better understand the origin and functions of all levels of biological diversity (from genes to ecosystems)
- make genomic resources accessible for applied research, e.g. for a sustainable bioeconomy or natural resources management.
Research at the centre is divided into four project areas and numerous individual and joint projects:
Comparative GenomicsPhoto: Myotis myotis © Oliver Farcy
Natural Products GenomicsPhoto: Dr. Carsten Kegler
Genomic BiomonitoringPhoto: Axel Gomille
Functional Environmental GenomicsPhoto: © Andy Murray chaosofdelight.org
Latest News
Researchers of the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre and the LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (TBG) develop a new test to better assess environmental impact of substances
20.11.2020
(SGN/TBG press release on a publication in the journal Environmental Pollution)
Image: © Markus Pfenninger
Animal poisons as a source of novel bioresources
19.11.2020
(Article about the research field of Venomics by TBG scientists Tim Lüddecke und Björn von Reumont in the journal BIOspektrum (in German))
Partial autonomy. How species separate, but not entirely
09.11.2020
(TBG press release on a publication in the journal Evolution Letters)
Image: © lkpro / shutterstock.com
The joint-venture LOEWE-TBG has been initiated by the Senckenberg Nature Research Society, the Goethe University Frankfurt, the Justus Liebig University Gießen and the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME and is initially funded by the LOEWE programme of the State of Hesse, Germany.
