Genomic Translation: Adoption and Use of Genomic Tools and Technologies to Monitor Biodiversity

Genomic Translation: Adoption and Use of Genomic Tools and Technologies to Monitor Biodiversity (PANEL) | GEO BON Global Conference - October 12, 2023
Discoveries in academic research can lead to new tools or technologies for the study and surveillance of biodiversity, but the transfer of technology from the laboratory to the field comes with a unique set of challenges. It is important that support for academic research include resources for the implementation of new technologies into real-world use by industries, governments, or private partners. In this panel, researchers and end users from several research projects will present how they worked together to define and implement genomics tools into biodiversity monitoring strategies, ingredients of success, the challenges faced and opportunities looking forward. Dr. Langlois is a Project Leader for the iTrackDNA project, which is developing the very first national standards on eDNA detection and building eDNA kits for the detection of 100 species. She will be joined by Jean-Christophe Guay at Hydro-Québec, one of the end users for this project. Dr. Sunday, in collaboration with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, is developing new tools and protocols for the use of eDNA to monitor species present in Canada’s protected marine areas, and Dr. Robert has developed a SNP chip for the analysis of caribou samples, a tool which has been put to use by the MELCCFP, represented by Dr. Taillon.
Speakers:
Valérie Langlois (Full Professor, Eau Terre Environnement Research Centre, INRS)
Jennifer Sunday (Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, McGill)
Jean-Christophe Guay (Environmental Advisor, Hydro-Québec)
Claude Robert (Full Professor, Université Laval)
Joëlle Taillon (General Director of Wildlife and Habitat Management, MELCCFP)