EnviroDNA pioneered commercial eDNA monitoring in Australia, delivering rapid, accurate measurement of species, biodiversity, and environmental change. Since 2016, our founders — Dr Andrew Weeks and Dr Paul Umina — have transformed leading research into practical, scalable eDNA solutions used across biodiversity conservation, resource management, pollution monitoring, agriculture, and more.
Backed by a diverse team of Australian-based ecologists, geneticists, and data specialists, we help organisations close critical knowledge gaps and make informed decisions about nature. As leaders in eDNA sampling, testing, and research innovation, we ensure scientific excellence and reliable client service in every project.
We partner with clients to push nature-positive solutions forward and improve how biodiversity is understood and managed.
Our mission
Power every nature-positive decision using eDNA.
Our vision
A world where human impacts are sustainably managed.
Our approach
What is eDNA technology?
Our solutions provide quantifiable insights into species, biodiversity, and environmental change. This helps our clients assess understand species distribution and assess ecosystem health. Transforming nature into actionable and scalable data, empowers informed decision-making at both site and landscape levels.
Leverage eDNA to unlock these key advantages:
- Rapid time-to-insight
- Less time spent in the field
- Identify species anytime, day or night
- User-friendly, accessible sampling
- Integration with cultural knowledge
- Cost-effective monitoring at scale
Groundtruthed data for reliable insights.
Our results are groundtruthed for quality assurance. We use additional species occurrence databases that EnviroDNA has available and leverage expert knowledge of sampling areas. These data sources include both external species records such as the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) or the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), and our internal database we are growing across Australia since 2016.
This ensures your biodiversity data is validated against other species in the sampling area, providing additional confidence in your results.
Our labs and protocols ensure rigorous quality assurance.
We operate state-of-the-art eDNA laboratories, equipped with specialised DNA sequencing and high-throughput automation systems. Our four purpose-built lab areas support scalable sample processing while maintaining precision, contamination control, and rigorous quality assurance. Controlled airflow and contamination-free zones ensure efficient, high-quality results at every stage.
EnviroDNA laboratories are specifically designed for eDNA and molecular workflows, ensuring precision, reliability, and contamination control. Key features to reduce contamination include:
Cleaning protocols
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Our laboratory features dedicated zones, including a DNA-free zone for reagent storage and preparation, as well as separate clean rooms for sample preparation (DNA isolation) and reaction setup.
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We have strict laboratory cleaning regimes with swab testing of key surfaces and equipment to detect contaminants.
Contamination-control workflows
- Post-PCR Room: a separate zone for amplification, analysis of PCR products and sequencing.
- We maintain a strict unidirectional workflow, progressing from clean to post-amplification areas to minimise contamination risk.
- Staff do not re-enter clean zones after accessing post-amplification areas, ensuring integrity throughout all sample processing.
Environmental controls (airflow)
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Pre-PCR areas: Maintain positive air pressure to prevent contaminants from entering.
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Post-PCR areas: Maintain negative air pressure to prevent amplicon contamination from escaping.
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Airlock doors: PCR areas are separated by airlock doors to further control and direct air movement.
Analysis controls
- We also employ multiple negative controls throughout any analysis process (extraction, PCR, sequencing) to identify contamination if present.
