i5k 2025/2026 Annual Meeting, February 4^th, 2026 - Discussion session

The group discussed the development of an open genome note repository system to facilitate the publication of genome data without traditional peer review, with emphasis on establishing standardized reporting practices and biological documentation. They explored ways to integrate genome notes into educational settings, particularly at primarily undergraduate institutions, while addressing challenges related to training and participation. The conversation ended with discussions about coordinating with databases, upcoming conference opportunities, and administrative needs including social media coordination.

• Contact i5k (ARS-NAL-i5k@usda.gov) to actively participate within a working group.
• Undergraduate institution faculty/students interested: Contact Monica or relevant working group leads to participate in the Genome Project Coordination Working Group as testers or in training activities.
• Interested journal editors/submitters: Contact Mark (or relevant leads) to participate in developing reporting standards for genome notes.

Summary

Open Genome Note Repository Development

The group discussed the development of an open genome note repository system, similar to a preprint server, which would allow for the publication of genome notes without traditional peer review. Mark Blaxter highlighted the need for establishing standards for genome reporting across journals, including details on sequencing quality and content. Kristen Panfilio suggested adding more biological documentation, such as species identification methods, to enhance the quality of genome notes. She also added that it would be helpful to include a clear statement of whether (or not) the mitochondrial genome was assessed, and (if so) how complete it seems to be. Michael Branstetter raised concerns about accommodating large numbers of genomes in comparative studies, and the group agreed that an open publishing platform could address this by providing standardized metadata and biological information for each genome. Michael Branstetter suggested that a “genome note” providing key information could be required to be published along with larger publications describing new genomes, to create an easily-accessible source for basic genome metrics and metadata.

Genome Education and Undergraduate Involvement

Sarah Lower discussed the potential for incorporating genome notes into undergraduate courses, particularly at primarily undergraduate institutions. Monica explained that i5K is actively interested in involving members from such institutions but noted time constraints as a challenge. Marc Halfon and Brad Coates highlighted the role of training in facilitating participation and suggested creating short training videos on specific standards. Kristen Panfilio shared her experience with the milkweed bug genome project, emphasizing the value of publishing data sets along the way in repositories that assign a DOI, such as the Ag Data Commons via the i5k Workspace@NAL, to provide credit to contributors including undergraduates. Mark Blaxter pointed to the Biodiversity Genome Academy (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJPtltyNBRZPcd7pm9bzh2A), which publishes informative video tutorials on a wide range of methods, and which would benefit from content provided by i5k.

Genome Standards and Database Integration

The meeting focused on genome standards and integration with existing databases. Mark Blaxter discussed the proposed system of genome notes with DOIs, which would generate metrics and provide badges for passing EBP standards. The group discussed coordinating with INSDC to provide link-outs to genome notes and analytical platforms. Joshua Benoit announced an opportunity for invited talks at the ESA meeting in November, and mentioned setting up Google forms for symposium submissions. The conversation ended with a reminder that i5k has an open social media coordinator position and a need to become more active on social media. Monica Poelchau pointed out that EBP has an active social media presence that could serve to amplify announcements from i5k.

Meeting notes were generated by Zoom AI, and reviewed and modified by i5k members.