Environmental DNA and RNA (eDNA) is the genetic material organisms leave behind in their environment, including in water, soil and air. 

Water is essential for all life and holds valuable information about the health of our communities and the environment. Modern methods have been developed to monitor water more holistically, including detecting multiple pathogens and evaluating ecosystem health using eDNA and eRNA sequencing. The challenge is that these monitoring efforts remain scattered, as different regions and scientific disciplines often work separately, leading to gaps in our understanding.

Turning scientific data into actionable solutions for healthier communities:

The iMicroSeq project will help unite research efforts, in strong partnership with public health officials and Indigenous communities, to create a more cohesive approach to water-based DNA analysis. It will focus on building a framework for a Data Portal and Communications Platform that will encourage community engagement and knowledge sharing.

This project will:

• Build upon and complement Genome Canada initiatives like SAFEGUARD, the Climate-Smart Agri-Food Initiative, and other national and international resources, extending international data standards, and expanding database development to incorporate data for multiple pathogens, as the project positions Canada as a leader in more integrative environmental and health data management.
• Be linked with other eDNA initiatives, such as iTrackDNA, for more holistic support of ecosystem health in a climate change context.
• Consult extensively with researchers and community members on platform construction, respecting data ownership based on CARE, OCAP® and Métis Principles, and honouring Indigenous Rights and Knowledge.
• Support initiatives that consider the interconnected health of humans, other life, and the environment (One Health).
• Help turn the scientific data generated by eDNA water-based analysis into actionable community programs and policies.

Ultimately, this project will empower:

• Innovation through researchers’ access to integrated data that enables the development of novel analysis tools and insights.
• Communities, including northern, rural, remote, and isolated communities, that want to join in such monitoring to protect their communities but need approaches that address their unique
• Industry innovation, supporting the development and use of industry-led software and others that could support autonomous communities and provide national and international leadership on federated data integration.
• Public health, through an academic-public health partnership that supports more rapid, accurate and comprehensive responses to One Health threats.

Emma Griffiths (L) and Fiona Brinkman (R)