Collections-based research in the genomic era

Biological collections are at the front line of biodiversity research, informing taxonomy, evolution, conservation and sustainable livelihoods. In April 2014, we organised a meeting at the Linnean Society (UK) discussing the impact of next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods on collections-based research. Here, we explore the main themes of this meeting and outline the incredible potential of NGS to reinvent collections-based research. Among the many opportunities at the interface of genomics and collections, we focus specifically on (1) the genomic characterisation of biological collections, (2) the enhancement and development of DNA-based identification, (3) the tree of life and (4) interdisciplinary research addressing the most pressing environmental challenges of our times. Across the world, biological collections are at risk, primarily due to declining funding and shifts in scientific fashions. We encourage all users of collections to embrace the genomic era, not only because of the unparalleled scientific potential that it presents, but also because new cross-disciplinary synergies will reinvigorate and secure the collections for future generations. (C) 2015 The Linnean Society of London,