Consortium for the Barcode of Life, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC

The Consortium for the Barcode of Life (CBOL) is an international biodiversity initiative hosted by the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, and supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The Consortium is devoted to developing and supporting the potential of DNA barcoding, the use of short standardized gene sequences for species to identify species. DNA barcoding is a tool for biodiversity research and applied biological problems, such as control of agricultural pests, invasive species and disease vectors. CBOL operates by raising awareness of DNA barcoding and its use for science and society, and by promoting international projects and networks devoted to DNA barcoding.