DNA metabarcoding is a rapidly evolving method for assessing biodiversity from environmental DNA and bulk samples. It has a wide range of applications: biodiversity monitoring, animal diet assessment, reconstruction of paleo communities, among others. DNA metabarcoding uses molecular techniques such as PCR and next generation sequencing, and integrates skills in bioinformatics and biostatistics with classical ecological knowledge.

The DNA metabarcoding spring school is now in its sixth edition, and this year it is co-organized by the metabarcoding.org team and the Kunming Institute of Zoology, with support from the Kunming Branch, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The school will be divided in two parts:

• Two days of lectures (22nd, 23rd)
• Three days of practicals

The number of participants in the lecture portion is not limited, but registration is mandatory.

The number of participants in the practical portion is limited to 24, with at least 6 places reserved for students from outside China.

Candidates can apply for the school by sending an email to the following address :

The email must contain a brief curriculum vitae and a short letter of motivation. For applicants wishing to participate in the practical sessions, we request a more complete letter indicating how your research will benefit from DNA metabarcoding and what you are hoping to learn from this school. As part of the course, each participant in the practical portion will give a flash talk (5 minutes) about your research and how it is related to DNA metabarcoding.

Main lecturers

• Xin Zhou (BGI, China)
• Douglas Yu (KIZ, China; University of East Anglia, UK)
• Frédéric Boyer (LECA, CNRS, France)
• Antony Chariton (CSIRO, Australia)
• Eric Coissac (LECA, UGA, France)
• Pierre Taberlet (LECA, CNRS, France)
• Lucie Zinger (EDB, CNRS, France)
• Kristine Bohmann (Geogenetic center - Danemark)

Course Schedule

The lectures will cover different aspects of DNA metabarcoding. The bioinformatics practicals will introduce data analysis from raw sequences to basic ecological conclusions. The molecular ecology practical will present basic techniques for DNA extraction in the field and DNA amplification by PCR. After the course formally ends on 26 August, many of the lecturers will remain in Kunming to allow for one-on-one interaction and consultation.

Travel and accommodation

Flights to Kunming
To get to Kunming (KMG), the best way is to fly. If travelling from Europe, there is a direct flight from Paris-CDG to KMG, on China Eastern Airlines (MU). Arrival should be by Sunday 21 August. Another good flight from Europe is the KLM AMS-CTU flight (KL891 and KL892), then flying by China Eastern from CTU to Kunming (MU).

Please feel free to consult with us over the best flight.

China requires an entry visa, arranged before travel.
Chinese visa details link
The visa type is F, and you need an invitation letter from KIZ. We will provide this upon email request. Please give us your this information to include on the letter:

1) full name as stated on the passport
2) gender
3) date of birth
4) planned arrival and departure dates

Accommodation and Meals
Students are responsible for their own hotel costs and meals. A shared room will cost approximately RMB 250 per night (i.e. RMB 125 per student-night), and the hotels are close to the course venue. We will provide box lunches on 22-26 August.