We are working towards the development of a DNA barcoding system which uses a small DNA fragment to discriminate species. This work not only promises a simple solution to taxonomic identity, but will generate important new insights into the age of species and their phylogenetic affinities. The detailed understanding of biodiversity is critical for progress in fields such as ecology and evolution. It is also an important element for conservation programs, for the designation of protected areas, and for marketplace surveillance. Yet most species are unknown and the identification of known species is complex. My work is focused on empowering biodiversity science by creating a DNA-based identification system to resolve the taxonomic impediment. My laboratory first proposed and has subsequently led the development of a research program that focuses on the use of sequence diversity in short, standardized gene regions (DNA barcodes) for species identification and discovery. Our work over the past decade has established that most species have long enough histories and tight enough reproductive isolation to permit their diagnosis with very limited sequence information. In fact, highly effective identification systems can be based on a single or, at most, a few sequence reads. Termed DNA barcoding, this approach has now gained general acceptance as transformative technology. My research team plays a key role in the global DNA barcoding movement as we operate the largest facility for sequence analysis and the informatics platform which stores barcode data. In fact, 73% of the current 4.5 million DNA barcode records were gathered in our core facility. DNA barcoding represents a fundamental shift from the past reliance on morphological characters to identify and discover species. The impact of moving from identification systems based on analogue characters to digital systems based on DNA will lead to higher precision, to the automation of species identification, and to universal accessibility to biodiversity information. This transition has very important practical implications; it promises better protection of forestry and agriculture, earlier interception of invasive species, an enhanced capacity for ecosystem monitoring and an aid to conservation programs.