Highlights for RARe: feedback on the general meeting and the 2025 scientific seminar

The 2025 edition was marked by a special context for RARe, with the submission of the renewal application for the National Roadmap for Research Infrastructure and the announcement of a change in coordination for 2026.

The infrastructure presented its balance sheet and action plan. This was an opportunity to highlight some key figures representing RARe, with €17.8 million in annual expenditure for a workforce of 199 FTE in 2025, spread across more than 40 geographical sites and involving 21 supervisory bodies (research organisations, institutes, national veterinary and agricultural engineering schools, and universities). 

The seven cross-functional working groups (WGs) presented a review and roadmap for Quality Management in CRBs, Communication, Information Systems and Open Science, Access and Benefit Sharing, Economic Model, Social and Environmental Responsibility, and Education and Training.

Another highlight was the presentation by RARe's pillars, who shared their key achievements, activity reports and outlook, showcasing the wealth of activities carried out by the infrastructure.

The scientific seminar on digital strategies for CRBs featured a series of presentations on digital tools and the challenges and opportunities offered by artificial intelligence (AI) and data science..

The integration of AI into the field of biological sciences represents an opportunity for biological resource centres to seize, but it also raises new ethical and societal issues that must be understood and managed.

The speakers' presentations provided examples of AI applications for understanding and promoting biological resources, global health, and the humanities and social sciences. The functioning of CRBs could benefit from new tools for data curation, knowledge enrichment, multi-domain data integration, and user interfaces, without ignoring the risks of bias inherent in generative AI. Concerned about the impact of the explosion of genomic data on the sustainable enhancement of biodiversity, the Convention on Biological Diversity proposed the creation of a multilateral fund (Cali Decision, 2024).

• Abstract booklet 

The 2025 seminar is fully in line with RARe's scientific objectives of promoting its multi-domain dimension in order to :

• Mobilise the diversity of life in food and agroecological transitions and preserve biodiversity.
• Promote a holistic approach to health by connecting human, animal, plant and environmental health.
• Contribute to assessing natural and climate risks and propose mitigation or adaptation solutions.

Acknowledgements :

• Speakers and session moderators
• Organising committee
• Participants in these events