First, the NOReDNA conference was held in Trondheim, Norway from 9-11 November. The focus of the conference was on implementation of eDNA species detection for biodiversity estimation. Researchers from ten countries presented their unique methods for detection of species based on DNA collected from soil, lakes, rivers, sediments, and even air. Different approaches were explained, including methods for target species detection and metabarcoding approaches for species community determination. Very interesting and exciting examples were shown on implementation of eDNA-based methods in citizen science and national monitoring strategies. On the final day, a workshop was held on quantifying species abundance from environmental and bulk samples.

The second conference took place on 18 November in St. Pölten and was organized by Austrian Barcode of Life (ABOL). Participants demonstrated how genetic methods are contributing to biodiversity research in Austria and beyond. Talks included implementation of genetic methods for surveying bacteria, plants, fungi, and animals, illustrating numerous possibilities for precise species determination. Protected area case studies were shown on rare species detection, cryptic alpine taxa, disease vectors, non-native and invasive species, and species communities. Moreover, advancements were demonstrated on novel and portable technologies with a great potential for implementation in remote areas.

Our team would like to thank the organizers and other participants for these fantastic events as we look forward to further exchange and collaborations in the upcoming year.