Defra DNA Centre of Excellence
The Defra DNA Centre of Excellence is a virtual hub which brings together expertise on DNA based tools for monitoring the environment.
The Defra DNA Centre of Excellence champions the uptake of genetic based tools for monitoring the environmental, biodiversity, and ecosystem functions, and responses to changes within these. It ensures Defra Group has the right tools and infrastructures to successfully implement them.
Our role
°Õ³ó±ðÌýDNA Centre of Excellence promotes the understanding, application and development of innovative DNA and genetic technologies to transform environmental monitoring in support of Defra priorities.
°Õ³ó±ðÌýDNA Centre of Excellence does this through:
- managing a portfolio of research projects to support development of novel technologies and metrics, with wide relevance to Defra GroupÂ
- exploring opportunities for advances in bio-molecular monitoring to contribute to government’s mission for growth
- improving alignment and consistency of approaches via the harmonisation of methods, and management of a knowledge hubÂ
- ensuring Defra Group infrastructures are fit for purpose to enable effective use of our physical and digital genetic assets
- collaborating in Defra, wider government and beyond to leverage expertise, accelerate research and facilitate knowledge transfer
- building capability through raising awareness and understanding of genetic applications through outreach, and engagement
Our members
°Õ³ó±ðÌýDNA Centre of Excellence working group members include representatives from:
- Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
- Natural England
- Environment Agency
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science
- The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Animal and Plant Health Agency
- Joint Nature Conservation Committee
- Forest Research
Our working group acts as focal points for scientific representation across Defra Group in the use of genetic technologies for environmental monitoring.
Vision
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realise the potential of genetic technologies to help us understand and manage our changing environment and support improvements in regulatory systems
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tackle barriers to change and lead the building of skills, capability and confidence in genetic technologies to nurture the culture required for successful deployment
Strategy
In 2024, the DNA Centre of Excellence gathered evidence to identify research areas that best support the delivery of Defra priorities. These form our strategy for 2025 to 2028