Pensoft Publishers, an esteemed name in the realm of open-access scholarly publishing, has recently forged a significant partnership with the Southern eDNA Society (SeDNAs), a burgeoning organization dedicated to advancing the study of environmental DNA (eDNA). This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, marks a pivotal step in harnessing the scientific prowess of both entities to promote the burgeoning field of eDNA research.
As environmental challenges become increasingly urgent, the role of eDNA in biodiversity studies has gained unprecedented traction. eDNA analysis enables researchers to collect genetic material from environmental samples, such as soil and water, providing insights into the presence of various species within ecosystems. The partnership aims to bolster the application of this technology, thereby facilitating a comprehensive understanding of ecological dynamics and aiding conservation efforts.
The Southern eDNA Society, established relatively recently, brings together a diverse network of approximately 200 members committed to pioneering communication and collaboration in the field of eDNA. This collective comprises scientists and researchers from various disciplines, uniting their expertise to further the understanding of eDNA methodologies and their ecological implications. The society seeks to enhance community engagement and elevate the discourse surrounding eDNA applications in science and conservation.
Pensoft Publishers is known for its innovative approach to scholarly communication, overseeing a portfolio of over 35 open-access, peer-reviewed journals that cater to various scientific domains. Among its distinguished publications is the Metabarcoding and Metagenomics (MBMG) journal, which focuses specifically on eDNA research and its applications. The MBMG journal boasts a CiteScore of 5.4 and is indexed within prestigious databases like Web of Science and Scopus, reflecting its impact and relevance in the scientific community.
The newly formed alliance will prioritize enhancing the publication and dissemination processes surrounding eDNA research, amplifying the visibility and influence of scientific outcomes derived from this discipline. By promoting eDNA conferences organized by SeDNAs and disseminating impactful research findings from the eDNA community, the partnership aims to broaden the outreach of eDNA knowledge and foster a more cohesive scientific community.
To further spur this goal, Pensoft and SeDNAs have committed to cross-promoting their respective activities. By linking their endeavors, they can engage a wider audience and foster greater participation and enthusiasm within the eDNA domain. Plans are already in place for Pensoft to facilitate the dissemination of research presented at SeDNAs conferences, with potential publication opportunities for special issues or themed collections within the MBMG journal, which would feature groundbreaking research in the eDNA field.
Moreover, SeDNA members will benefit from an exclusive discount on article processing charges in the MBMG journal, creating an incentive for them to publish their research in a journal known for its commitment to open access and broad visibility within the scientific community. This initiative aligns with the overarching aim of both organizations to promote collaboration and support the dissemination of critical scientific findings that advance the understanding of biodiversity through the lens of eDNA.
Anastasija Zaiko, President of SeDNAs, expressed enthusiasm regarding this partnership, emphasizing the society’s commitment to driving innovation, enhancing accessibility, and upholding excellence in eDNA science. Zaiko’s sentiments resonate with Pensoft’s philosophy, as articulated by Prof. Lyubomir Penev, the founder and CEO of Pensoft, who underscored the importance of open science and the technological advancements that this partnership embodies.
The collaboration between Pensoft, MBMG, and SeDNAs is not an isolated endeavor; it follows a trend exemplified by Pensoft’s recent collaboration with the Infrastructure & Ecology Network Europe (IENE). This partnership saw the publication of special issues in Nature Conservation, showcasing research presented at IENE conferences, further illustrating Pensoft’s proactive approach to fostering scientific collaboration through specialized publications.
As eDNA research continues to evolve and expand its reach within the scientific community, partnerships like this are vital in amplifying research outputs and promoting accessibility to critical findings that can inform conservation strategies and ecological understanding. The synergy between Pensoft and SeDNAs embodies a collective commitment to advancing eDNA knowledge, ensuring that the research community is well-equipped to tackle the pressing biodiversity challenges of our time.
The significance of this partnership extends beyond mere publication possibilities; it reflects the growing recognition of eDNA’s potential to revolutionize the way researchers approach biodiversity assessment and conservation. With the shared vision of enhancing scientific discourse around eDNA, both organizations are poised to catalyze innovative research that can contribute to the protection and understanding of our planet’s ecosystems.
As the partnership unfolds, the scientific community anticipates a wealth of knowledge and advancements that will arise from this collaboration, stimulating growth and innovation in eDNA research methodologies. The collective enthusiasm surrounding this initiative signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to leverage science in understanding and preserving biodiversity for future generations.
By merging the strengths of both Pensoft and SeDNAs, this collaboration exemplifies the spirit of cooperation that is essential for scientific progress. The partnership promises to yield impactful research findings, innovative solutions to pressing environmental issues, and an expansive network of engaged researchers dedicated to harnessing the power of eDNA to safeguard our planet’s biological heritage.
Subject of Research: Environmental DNA (eDNA) research collaboration for biodiversity conservation
Article Title: Pensoft Publishers Partners with Southern eDNA Society to Enhance eDNA Research
News Publication Date: October 2023
Web References: https://pensoft.net, https://sednasociety.com
References: Not applicable
Image Credits: Credit: Pensoft Publishers
Keywords: Environmental DNA, biodiversity, scientific collaboration, open-access publishing, conservation science.
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