With in kind assistance from the Deakin University of Australia, the University of the South Pacific’s Institute of Applied Sciences (IAS) held a training workshop on eDNA library preparation from 16 to 18 October 2024 at the USP Lower Campus, Suva.
The workshop held as part of the Pacific Islands Marine Bioinvasions Alert Network (PacMAN) was an immersive, hands-on event designed to advance knowledge in molecular sciences and eDNA library preparation. The workshop brought together scientists and industry professionals from USP and Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF), offering a unique platform to learn the latest techniques, share insights, and collaborate on critical advancements in molecular studies.
The workshop featured a series of expert-led sessions that covered fundamental and advanced topics in molecular sequencing.
Dr. Morgan Ellis from the Deakin University provided training on the construction of eDNA libraries in preparation for Next Generation Sequencing.
The event provided a comprehensive curriculum aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge to build an eDNA library and conduct quality assurance check on their samples before sending these for sequencing.
IAS PACMAN Project Manager, Mr Joape Ginigini said, “The eDNA Library Training Workshop is a significant step toward empowering researchers with the skills and tools they need to advance Fiji and the region in the field of molecular analyses. We are committed to building capacity in this critical area, and we are encouraged by the enthusiastic response from the PACMAN Project partners. The capacities will go a long way to assist research in the areas of marine invasive species detection, biodiversity research as well as environment impact assessments among many others. We wish to thank Deakin University for its tremendous support for the project and capacity building in Pacific Smal Island Development States (PSIDS)” he added.
Dr Isoa Korovulavula, Acting Director IAS commended the PACMAN project team for their commitment to scientific excellence, “The workshop is part of the Institute of Applied Sciences’ ongoing commitment to supporting scientific education, capacity building, and innovation. The workshop underscores the importance of creating dedicated spaces for IAS staff member’s professional growth,” he added. Dr. Korovulavula expressed his sincere gratitude to the PacMAN project partner UNESCO-IOC for providing financial support for the training workshop and their sound leadership in supporting capacity building locally.
Workshop participants checking their results
