Guarding Aquatic Ecosystems against
Invasive Alien species using eDNA
Welcome to the GuardIAS Summer School 2026!
We’re excited to invite you to the GuardIAS Summer School 25 June – 7th July.
The theme of the Summer School is “Guarding Aquatic Ecosystems against Invasive Alien Species using eDNA”
The GuardIAS Summer School 2026 is an intensive training programme focused on the surveillance of aquatic invasive species using environmental DNA (eDNA). The summer school combines lectures, hands-on sessions, and applied case studies to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of eDNA-based monitoring, from sampling design and laboratory workflows to bioinformatics analysis, data validation, and integration into management and policy frameworks.
The programme brings together experts from across Europe and emphasizes practical skills, interdisciplinary approaches, and real-world applications. It is designed for early-career researchers, practitioners, and professionals seeking to strengthen their capacity in innovative tools for aquatic biodiversity monitoring and invasive species management.
The summer school will take place at the premises of Nord University, Bodø, Norway, from the 29th of June to the 3rd of July. Additionally, an introductory online session will take place on the 25th of June, and a closing online session will take place on the 7th of July (see summer school agenda for more details). Attendance to all the online and in person sessions is mandatory for all successful applicants. The course covers 3 ECTS issued by Nord University upon successful completion of the course.
Details
GuardIAS eDNA Summer School Agenda is available online.
Meet the trainers delivering the 2026 summer school
Explore the presentations
- eDNA and IAS 101: Dr. Anastasija Zaiko, Sequench
- The ecology of eDNA: Rein Brys, Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO)
- eDNA sampling: Basic principles, peculiarities of sampling in marine environments: Dr. Anastasija Zaiko, Sequench
- Monitor and Control of Invasive Alien Species: eDNA sampling with alternative methods: Chrysoula Gubili
- How to sample from freshwater ecosystems: Rein Brys, Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO)
- eDNA analytical approaches: Rakel Blaalid
- Opportunities and pitfalls of eDNA quantification: Teun Everts, Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO)
- Advances in eDNA technology: Dr. Anastasija Zaiko, Sequench
- eDNA in EU invasion policies:Teun Everts, Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO)
- Bioinformatics: HTS data processing steps and sequencing data analysis intro: Dr. Anastasija Zaiko, Sequench
- Metabarcoding Joining Obitools & Linkage Networks In R: Panagiota Xanthopoulou and Chrysou Gubili
- GuardIAS: Guarding European Waters from Invasive Alien Species: Prof. Stelios Katsanevakis, University of the Aegean
- Aquatic Invasive Alien Species: Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs): Agnese Marchini & Mar Santos-Simón
Share your feedback
Attendees of the 2026 summer school are invited to share feedback and recommendations for future summer schools here.
