The Crop Trust's Genebank Information Systems team
While Genesys is a global portal that serves a wide community of users and Data Providers, it is kept running by the dedicated Genebank Information Systems team at the Crop Trust working behind the scenes.
Who we are
The team is based at the Crop Trust in Bonn, Germany and is responsible for the day-to-day operations and the long-term technical health of Genesys.
The team is led by Matija Obreza, and includes Christelle Rabil, our Genesys Assistant. Together with other colleagues and occasional consultants, they ensure that Genesys remains stable and helpful for everyone.
What we do
Our work is centered around four main areas to ensure that data on PGRFA is well managed and accessible.
Operating Genesys
We keep the lights on and Genesys evolving. This includes managing the core infrastructure, developing features to make data easier to find, and ensuring accessibility and translations so that everyone can use the portal. We also run the helpdesk to support our users whenever they have questions.
Empowering genebanks with GRIN-Global Community Edition
We believe in providing the right tools for the job. We develop and support the adoption of GRIN-Global Community Edition, a powerful tool that helps genebanks simplify their collection management and prepare their data for sharing.
Building capacity
Tools are only effective if people know how to use them. We lead capacity building efforts, such as the Community of Practice on Data Management (CoP-DM), and organize regional workshops and training courses to help genebank staff grow their skills. To join the CoP-DM, send an email to cop+subscribe@genesys-pgr.org.
Supporting data quality
High-quality data is the backbone of Genesys. We provide direct assistance to our genebank partners with data cleaning, validation, and publishing, making sure that the information shared with the world is accurate and reliable.
How Genesys is developed
We do not build everything ourselves. Rather, we work with experienced outsourced programmers to develop new features and improve existing ones.
Our team acts as the bridge between these developers and the global community. We make sure that the code is high quality, cohesive, and aligned with the needs of our users. Essentially, we are here to make sure everything comes together nicely, turning technical requirements into a seamless experience for you.
Where the data lives
Keeping your data safe and accessible is our top priority. The technical cluster that hosts Genesys is located and maintained in Germany, ensuring a reliable and secure environment for Genesys.