Introducing
eDNA ExplorerCanada
eDNA Explorer, iTrackDNA and Genome BC are developing a cutting-edge software platform that leverages eDNA to revolutionize how we monitor and manage Canada's natural world.
A plan to turn eDNA data into action
Canada is rich in natural resources, but faces the challenge of balancing environmental protection with resource development. While eDNA technology promises to reveal hidden knowledge about Canadian ecosystems, there are limited tools to turn metabarcoding and qPCR data into action. eDNA Explorer Canada will address these challenges by offering insight, collaboration, and standards support, thanks to a grant from Genome BC.
Actionable Insights
Transforms complex eDNA data into understandable and actionable information for decision-making.
Easy Collaboration
Facilitates easy sharing and collaboration among researchers, organizations, and Indigenous communities.
National Standards
Supports national standards and best practices for eDNA analysis across Canada.
eDNA Explorer Canada Project Scope
This project focuses on four key activities:
1. Adoption: Understanding User Needs
We're talking to public and for-profit organizations across Canada to understand what they need from eDNA Explorer. This will ensure the platform directly answers real-world nature-based questions. We'll be engaging with various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profits, for-profit companies, and First Nations to gather their input.Want to be included? Contact us2. Validation: Ensuring Trust and Standards
eDNA Explorer Canada will be designed to meet official Canadian standards and respect sovereign rights. We'll integrate standards for data sharing and management, including Canadian Standards Association (CSA) guidelines for qPCR assays and reporting. We will also apply FAIR, CARE, and OCAP principles of data governance and Indigenous data sovereignty.
3. Insights: Turning Data into Action
eDNA Explorer's primary goal is to transform data into understanding, helping to answer big questions like "Is this lake healthy?" or "How can we protect our forests better?". To develop tools that enable organizations to take action based on eDNA, we will build machine learning-based insight tools for ecosystem health and biodiversity prediction.4. Collaboration: Fostering Teamwork and Sharing
Teamwork is essential for making an impact on nature. eDNA Explorer will help groups share their eDNA findings easily, ethically and safely while respecting everyone's rights and privacy as well as keeping Canadian data in Canada.
A Collaborative Effort
Public Private Partnership
A collaboration between eDNA Explorer, a private company, and iTrackDNA, a University of Victoria lab
Built on Success
Leveraging momentum from the iTrackDNA project and eDNA Explorer's initial platform
Inclusive Across Canada
Uniting Canadian scientists, First Nations, Industry, Government, Academic Institutions and NGOs
eDNA Explorer Canada is a collaborative effort between eDNA Explorer in California and iTrackDNA in Canada that is funded by Genome BC. The project is led by Dr. Rachel Meyer, Chief Scientific Officer at eDNA Explorer, Dr. Caren Helbing at the University of Victoria and their teams. We are partnering with a wide range of Canadian scientists, First Nations, industry stakeholders, government agencies, and NGOs to translate eDNA science into societal benefits.
Join Us!
We invite you to learn more and engage with us as we work to unlock the power of eDNA for a more sustainable Canada.
Get In Touch