Environmental DNA (eDNA) is transforming how researchers monitor biodiversity, but how do people come to trust it as scientific evidence?

SMEA Assistant Professor Shana Hirsch, SMEA Postdoc Pedro Brandao-Dias, Michelle Hauer, SMEA Research Scientist Yin Cheong Aden Ip, and UW doctoral candidate Sayan Bhattacharjee examine how experience with eDNA shapes perceptions of its validity, usefulness, and trustworthiness.

Their findings highlight the importance of building trusted communities of practice alongside technical standards for responsible eDNA adoption.

Read the research here -> Embracing Environmental DNA (eDNA): Trust, Skepticism, and Competence in an Emerging Method