Thirst for Knowledge: Environmental Genetics

Thirst for Knowledge: Environmental genetics for biodiversity, biosecurity and monster hunting

Speaker: Professor Neil Gemmell

An opportunity for members of the community to engage with science professionals in a casual and informal setting. All welcome, no science background needed, simply bring a healthy thirst for knowledge.

Environmental DNA, or eDNA, is a smorgasbord of organic materials left behind by living things as they pass through their environment. This month Professor Neil Gemmell from the Department of Anatomy will shed light on how eDNA has the potential to detect even rare, highly mobile, marine organisms.

Neil and his team are testing the power of eDNA approaches for rapid and accurate assessments of biodiversity and ecosystem health in marine systems. Neil will discuss future plans to monitor our aquatic systems for fisheries, conservation, biosecurity, and other purposes including the occasional monster hunt.