Prof. Anna Karnkowska joins the Management Committee of COST Action eDNA4Policy

02 07 2026

Prof. Anna Karnkowska from the Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology UW  has joined the Management Committee of the newly funded COST Action eDNA4Policy – Advancing the integration of environmental DNA-based approaches into policy frameworks. The initiative aims to support the implementation of modern environmental DNA (eDNA) methods in environmental monitoring and biodiversity protection across Europe.

Environmental DNA makes it possible to detect species and entire communities of organisms from traces of genetic material found in water, soil or air. It therefore enables fast, non-invasive and precise ecosystem monitoring. Despite the rapid development of eDNA research, these methods are still used only to a limited extent by public authorities and in environmental policy. eDNA4Policy aims to help close this gap by building a European cooperation network connecting researchers, public authorities, non-governmental organisations and the private sector.

Participants in the Action will work on harmonising eDNA methods and research standards, developing indicators for assessing biodiversity and ecosystem condition, and integrating eDNA data into environmental monitoring and public policy. The Action is open, and representatives of academia, public authorities, non-governmental organisations and the private sector are invited to join its working groups. The network will run for four years, with its official launch planned for September 2026.

More information about the project and opportunities to get involved is available at: https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA25163/