Conference report: the third Bacterial Genome Sequencing Pan-European Network conference

The third Bacterial Genome Sequencing Pan-European Network conference, held in Engelberg, Switzerland (12-15 January 2026), brought together experts from six European countries to discuss the implementation of bacterial genome sequencing in clinical microbiology and public health. Key themes included regulatory frameworks (In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation, General Data Protection Regulation), standardization, quality control, data sharing, economic evaluation, and the integration of artificial intelligence and long-read sequencing into diagnostic workflows. Across presentations, panel discussions, and workshops, participants emphasized that successful implementation of genome sequencing requires more than technical capacity: it depends on robust validation, sustainable funding, interoperable data standards, ethical governance, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The meeting highlighted that sequencing should remain question-driven and clinically meaningful, balancing cost, turnaround time, and public health impact. Overall, the conference reinforced the need for coordinated European efforts to advance responsible, standardized, and sustainable genomic surveillance and diagnostics.