This dataset presents a comprehensive list of members registered as part of the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA, erga-biodiversity.eu) Community during ERGA Phase 1, which spanned from 2020 to 2023. The dataset includes information on the various roles undertaken by these members, particularly those who played a key role in establishing ERGA. Founding members are individuals who joined ERGA prior to the first leadership elections in February 2021, and they were instrumental in building the initial structure of ERGA. Some of these founding members were also involved in the establishment of different ERGA Committees. The dataset further includes details about the current and former core members and chairs of the ERGA committees. Additionally, it provides a list of the current (2023) and former Council members, along with the countries or regions they represent. The dataset is organised in alphabetical order for ease of reference. The co-authors of this dataset encompass both current and former ERGA Council members, listed in alphabetical order, and the current ERGA chair, as the last author.