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.
Registration
Registration Type |
Early Bird Rate (Until April 28) |
Regular Rate |
Late Rate |
Student and Postdoc Registration |
$175 |
$225 |
$275 |
Regular Registration |
$250 |
$300 |
$350 |
Registration Deadlines
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Early Bird Registration Fee: Due April 28th, 2023
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Regular Registration Fee: Due June 1st, 2023
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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
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When submitting your abstract use the following format in the email subject:
Abstract Submission_LastName_Submission type
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Abstracts must be submitted as a PDF file.
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Use the provided template to prepare your abstract. Download template here.
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Submitted abstracts may not exceed 250 words (excluding title, author names, affiliations, and keywords).
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Abstracts should include the following sections: Research topics, Submission type (oral or poster presentation), Title, Author(s), Institution(s), Abstract, Keywords.
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The main (presenting) author's name should be marked with an asterisk (*)
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Submitters should select up to 3 research topics (see below) that most closely correspond to the research to be presented.
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Abstracts should be written in plain English.
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References should not be cited in the abstract unless they are absolutely essential, in which case full bibliographic information must be provided.
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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 |
Tzitziki Loeza-Quintana, PhD |
Contact Us
For General Inquiries:
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: