Workshops will take place on the 23rd June 2025, indicate your choice during conference registration, note that spaces are limited.
Note that the Neotoma and Bioinformatics are simultaneous: it is not possible to attend both, but it is possible to attend one of those and the Nanopore sequencing workshop.
Bioinformatics
The analysis of ancient environmental DNA presents significant challenges, including balancing taxonomic specificity and sensitivity to accurately identify species while minimising false positives. Authentication of ancient DNA through damage pattern analysis and contamination controls remains crucial but complex. While recent tools have enabled faster and more sophisticated data analysis, the lack of standardised workflows continues to hinder usability and reproducibility. Additionally, the high computational demands of processing large datasets pose logistical barriers as studies grow in scale. This workshop aims to address these challenges, bringing together leading experts to share insights and explore ways to advance the reliability and scalability of ancient eDNA analysis.
Workshop leaders: Eric Coissac (Grenoble Alpes University - LECA) and Mikkel Winther Pedersen (Globe institute, University of Copenhagen)
Neotoma
This workshop is aimed at building systems for governance, curation, and sharing of published aeDNA data.
Workshop leaders: Trisha Spanbauer (University of Toledo) and Jack Williams (University of Wisconsin)
Nanopore sequencing
This workshop will provide a theoretical introduction to nanopore sequencing, highlighting its ability to produce long reads and its applications in studying environmental and ancient DNA. At the end of the session, we will discuss potential applications and research opportunities using this technology.
Workshop leaders: Inés Barrenechea Angeles (UiT The Arctic University of Norway), Pierre Taberlet (Grenoble Alpes University - LECA), Sylvain Monteux (UiT)