Episode 28: Ground Truth Genomics

In this episode, Briana Benton presents the ATCC Genome Portal, which was launched in 2019 to offer researchers high-quality, traceable genome data directly associated with physical materials in the ATCC collection. Benton explained that each genome published on the portal is produced entirely in-house, adhering to ISO 9001 standards from strain cultivation to final genome assembly. With over 5,500 genomes currently available and new additions made quarterly, the portal aims to eventually encompass ATCC’s entire collection. The portal’s distinctive value lies in its unparalleled traceability, including documentation of storage conditions and equipment used, which ensures scientific reproducibility and reliability. While the portal does not provide analytical tools, Benton emphasized that ATCC’s mission is to supply authenticated, reproducible data, enabling researchers to utilize their preferred tools for analysis.