RIEL seminar series
An eDNA/Omics Strategy for the Ranger Uranium Mine
| Presenter | Dr Andrew Harford | |
|---|---|---|
| Date/Time |
to
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| Contact person |
Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods
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| Location | Yellow 1, Level 2, Room 48 at CDU Casuarina Campus, and online via Zoom. All times are ACST. | |
| Open to | Public | |
Dr Andrew Harford is Team Leader of Water and Sediment Quality at the Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist (ERISS).
The Office of the Supervising Scientist (OSS) protects the environment and people from uranium mining impacts in the Alligator Rivers Region. As rehabilitation of the Ranger Uranium Mine advances, OSS is developing a long-term monitoring program to ensure stakeholders’ expectations are met.
The OSS omics strategy aims to integrate tools like iDNA and eDNA, genomics, and metabolomics into existing chemical, biological, and radiological monitoring. These approaches improve efficiency, scalability, and safety. The strategy supports ecosystem assessments—from aquatic fauna to soil microbes—and emphasises standardisation, robust bioinformatics, and collaboration with researchers, Traditional Owners, and regulators to guide evidence-based decisions and protect Kakadu National Park’s unique ecosystems.
Andrew specialises in water and sediment quality assessments, with expertise in ecotoxicology, eDNA, and long-term ecosystem monitoring. He leads strategic research at the OSS, supporting evidence-based rehabilitation of the Ranger Uranium Mine and protection of Kakadu National Park through innovative, science-driven solutions and collaboration.
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