PISCeS

Welcome to the 2023 Pathway to Increase Standards and Competency of eDNA Surveys (PISCeS) International Conference!

JUNE 18 - 20, 2023

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

eDNA TRAINING SESSION ON JUNE 18!

ADDITIONAL WORKSHOPS ON JUNE 21!

 

The University of Guelph is pleased to host a second eDNA conference on June 18-20, 2023. Academia, regulators, industry, NGO’s, and Indigenous partners are invited to join in a discussion on Pathways to Increase Standards and competency of Environmental DNA Surveys. The intent of the conference is to explore and inform public policy, industry strategies and future research on eDNA.

Group photo

 

Registration

Registration Type

Early Bird Rate (Until April 28)

Regular Rate
(April 28– June 1)

Late Rate
(June 2 – 15)

Student and Postdoc Registration

$175

$225

$275

Regular Registration

$250

$300

$350

Registration Deadlines

  • Early Bird Registration Fee: Due April 28th, 2023

  • Regular Registration Fee: Due June 1st, 2023

  • Late Registration Fee: Due June 15th, 2023

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW

Useful information on accommodations, transportation & parking, including discounts can be found here

Keynote Speakers

Robert (Bob) Watts (NWMO)

Title: Indigenous Perspectives on Risk. Abstract

 

Dr. Elizabeth Clare (York University) 

Title: The rapid advance of airborne eDNA technologies for terrestrial ecology. Abstract

  

Dr. Matthew Yates (University of Windsor) 

Title: Critical considerations for ecological inference from quantitative eDNA data. Abstract

 

Dr. Louie Lopez (University of Victoria)

Title: Learning from DNA in dirt: Use of sedimentary DNA (sedDNA) in reconstructing the history of freshwater fish settlement in lakes in the Alberta Oil Sands Region. Abstract

 

Dr. Melania Cristescu (McGill University)

Title: Monitoring environmental health using eRNA. Abstract

 

Dr. Alejandro Trujillo-González (University of Canberra)

Title: “Best practice guidelines for Australian/New Zealand eDNA biomonitoring programs”. Abstract

Abstract Submission

We are still accepting late-breaking abstract submission for poster presentations!  Abstracts must be submitted by email to pisces@uoguelph.ca

  • When submitting your abstract use the following format in the email subject:

Abstract Submission_LastName_Submission type

  • Abstracts must be submitted as a PDF file.

  • Use the provided template to prepare your abstract. Download template here.

  • Submitted abstracts may not exceed 250 words (excluding title, author names, affiliations, and keywords).

  • Abstracts should include the following sections: Research topics, Submission type (oral or poster presentation), Title, Author(s), Institution(s), Abstract, Keywords.

  • The main (presenting) author's name should be marked with an asterisk (*)

  • Submitters should select up to 3 research topics (see below) that most closely correspond to the research to be presented.

  • Abstracts should be written in plain English.

  • References should not be cited in the abstract unless they are absolutely essential, in which case full bibliographic information must be provided.

  • Abstracts will be selected by a peer review process. Notification of acceptance of abstracts will take place the week of April 17th, 2023

Presentation Guidelines

Poster and Oral presentation guidelines can be found Here 

Financial Support Opportunities

NEW!! 
We are happy to announce student support opportunities for PISCeS 2023! 
 
To apply for Student Financial Assistance or Best Student Presentation Prizes Click Here 

Financial support for Indigenous attendees available:

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) and PISCeS eDNA conference are committed to Reconciliation and aligning Indigenous Knowledge with western science, and are providing financial support to help cover conference registration, accommodation, and travel expenses for Indigenous attendees to participate in this learning opportunity. Reach out to us directly (pisces@uoguelph.ca) to request more information about this support opportunity.

Schedule

Sunday 18th 

  • eDNA Training Session (optional)
  • Registration and Poster setup
  • Plenary talk: The rapid advance of airborne eDNA technologies for terrestrial ecology

By Dr. Elizabeth Clare (York University)

  • Lightning Talks
  • Poster Session and Informal Reception

Monday 19th

  • Welcome Remarks
  • Plenary talk: Critical considerations for ecological inference from quantitative eDNA data

By Dr. Matthew Yates (University of Windsor)

  • Plenary talk: Learning from DNA in dirt: Use of sedimentary DNA (sedDNA) in reconstructing the history of freshwater fish settlement in lakes in the Alberta Oil Sands Region

By Dr. Louie Lopez (University of Victoria)

  • Plenary talk: Monitoring environmental health using eRNA

By Dr. Melania Cristescu (McGill University)

  • Lightning talks
  • Panel discussion 1 – eDNA standards, guidelines, and proficiency testing 

Plenary talk: Best practice guidelines for Australian/New Zealand eDNA biomonitoring programs

By Dr. Alejandro Trujillo-González (University of Canberra)

  • Panel discussion 2 – Invasive species and species-at-risk 
  • Poster Session and Welcome Reception

Tuesday 20th

  • Lightning talks
  • Plenary Talk: Indigenous Perspectives on Risk 

by Bob Watts (NWMO) 

  • Panel discussion 3 – eDNA DATA ARCHIVAL 
  • Workshop: Understanding Reconciliation and Indigenous Knowledge Workshop  

By Rebekah Wilson (NWMO) Optional session – Max 25 people 

  • Oral talks – Parallel Sessions
  • Concluding Remarks

Wednesday 21st

  • Workshop: Sharing and exploring DNA-derived biodiversity data on GBIF.org
  • Workshop: From data to knowledge: Study design and analytical steps for large scale biomonitoring programs using eDNA metabarcoding.
  • Workshop: Overcoming sample inhibition and other challenges with digital PCR
 

Panel Discussion Sections

NEW! 
In addition to Plenary talks, Parallel sessions, and Poster presentations, we are planning Panel Discussion Sessions with the following themes: 
 
1)    eDNA STANDARDS, GUIDELINES, AND PROFICIENCY TESTING 
     Moderator: Dr. Caren Helbing (University of Victoria) 
 
2)    INVASIVE SPECIES AND SPECIES-AT-RISK   
Moderator: Dr. Margaret Docker (University of Manitoba) 
 
3)   eDNA DATA ARCHIVAL 
Moderator: Dr. Robert Hanner (University of Guelph) 

eDNA Training Session

This short course will cover the theory and practice of eDNA methods, from sample collection to data analysis, including both targeted qPCR detection and eDNA metabarcoding.

When:  June 18th 2023, from 10am-3pm

Cost:  $75.00

More details coming soon!

Understanding Reconciliation and Indigenous Knowledge Workshop

This workshop will be delivered by Rebekah Wilson (NWMO) on June 20th, 2023. It has a capacity of 25 people. If you wish to attend, reserve your spot during Registration.

More details here!

Wednesday, June 21st Workshops

Sharing and exploring DNA-derived biodiversity data on GBIF.org

This workshop will be delivered by Tobias G. Frøslev and Thomas S. Jeppesen (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). More information Here.

Are you participating in this workshop? Find important information for this workshop attendees Here.

 

From data to knowledge: Study design and analytical steps for large scale biomonitoring programs using eDNA metabarcoding.

Using a large-scoping environmental survey as a model, this workshop will address several key aspects to establishing long-term eDNA survey protocols within a regulated industry.

More information Here.

 

Overcoming sample inhibition and other challenges with digital PCR

This workshop will be delivered by Michael Wakem (Life Sciences Solutions, Thermo Fisher Scientific)

More information Here.

Scientific Advisory Committee

Dr. Chris Wilson | MNRF

Dr. Caren Helbing  |  University of Victoria

Dr. Margaret Docker  |  University of Manitoba 

Dr. Gerald Tetreault  |  Environment and Climate Change Canada

Dr. Gord Wichert   |  SLR Consulting Ltd.

Dr. James Macklin   |  Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Dr. Mary Murdoch   |  Stantec  

 

Local Organizing Committee

Dr. Robert Hanner
Professor, Department of Integrative Biology
College of Biological Sciences
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON, Canada
rhanner@uoguelph.ca

Tzitziki Loeza-Quintana, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Hanner Lab, Department of Integrative Biology
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON, Canada
tloezaqu@uoguelph.ca

Contact Us

For General Inquiries:

pisces@uoguelph.ca

For Sponsorship Information:

Jillian Randall (nee Santi) (she/her/hers)
Alumni Advancement Manager
College of Biological Science, Alumni Affairs & Development
University of Guelph
226-821-3659
jillrand@uoguelph.ca

For Information Regarding Scientific Program and Committees:

Dr. Robert Hanner
rhanner@uoguelph.ca

Thank you to our sponsors: