Ensembl: A Comprehensive Reference Resource for Genomics

Ensembl is the world’s most comprehensive genome informatics resource.

We have powered genomic analyses for over twenty years through our data, know-how, software and deep ties to the research community.

Today, as genomic medicine is scaling up across the world and the effects of the sixth mass extinction become increasingly apparent, genomics has a critical role to play in addressing key societal challenges.

To meet these challenges and stay relevant in a fast paced environment, we are preparing for landmark innovations in our processes, including (i) a transition to the graph-based human reference genome; (ii) an increased use of cutting-edge technologies including machine learning to more accurately annotate genomes; (iii) an expansion of the number of supported genomes from hundreds to tens of thousands; (iv) an extensive redevelopment of our comparative genomics infrastructure; (v) a complete overhaul of our release cycle to release data as quickly as we can annotate it; (vi) the launch of our new website; and (vii) the release of new APIs that will replace our Perl API for external users.

Keywords: genome annotation, bioinformatics, database, biodiversity, functional interpretation of genetic variation, model organisms, genome regulation, agricultural genomics, FAIR data, open source software, open and reproducible science.