Research projects

EU-LI-PHE (CA22112) is an international research network within the COST programme, dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering collaboration in the field of livestock phenomics.

Accurate, high-quality phenotypic data are becoming increasingly important for achieving the objectives of modern livestock production. Such data play a crucial role in genetics and genomics research, as well as in the management of animal populations. Despite technological advances, significant gaps remain in knowledge, data collection methods and data integration, limiting opportunities for the long-term improvement of livestock production.

Phenomics is an emerging research discipline that enables the comprehensive study of the phenotype, encompassing the physical and molecular characteristics of an organism. By integrating extensive phenotypic datasets with genomic information, it contributes to a better understanding of biological processes and traits in livestock.

EU-LI-PHE aims to establish a connected European community of experts to strengthen international and interdisciplinary collaboration, develop phenotyping technologies, integrate genomic and phenomic data, and improve methods for analysing large datasets. The Action also addresses the economic, societal and regulatory aspects of phenomics, with particular emphasis on training the next generation of researchers in this field.

Main Activities

The Action is organised into five thematic Working Groups:

• WG1 – Phenotyping Technologies: Reviewing existing phenotyping technologies and research infrastructure and identifying future research needs in livestock phenomics.
• WG2 – Genome to Phenome Integration: Integrating genomic, epigenomic and phenotypic data to improve our understanding of livestock traits.
• WG3 – Computational Resources and Methodologies for Data Analyses: Developing and applying computational methods, models and data infrastructure for processing and analysing large datasets.
• WG4 – Economic Impact, Regulations, Policies and Society: Addressing the technological and economic impacts of phenomics, regulatory frameworks, data access and societal perceptions of emerging technologies.
• WG5 – Stakeholder Engagement, Communication and Dissemination: Engaging stakeholders, communicating activities and disseminating the Action’s results.

The Action promotes knowledge exchange and the sharing of good practices through international scientific meetings, workshops and training activities, as well as Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) and other research mobility opportunities. Particular emphasis is placed on connecting different research disciplines, developing common approaches and strengthening the knowledge and skills of young researchers.

Funding

EU-LI-PHE (CA22112) is supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology), funded by the European Union.