FREYJA
Fostering Reciprocity in Environmental DNA science through Yielded stewardship, Just benefit, and Accountability
Project overview
FREYJA’s (opens in a new tab) purpose is to provide an account of research reciprocity in environmental DNA (eDNA) science, with a particular focus on ancient eDNA. As part of this, the project explores new pathways for access and fair benefit sharing from such research. A model of research reciprocity and a practical framework for reciprocity in ancient eDNA science will be developed, shaped by Indigenous and local participants and further tested, applied, and evaluated by scientists within the ancient eDNA research project AEGIS.
Key researchers:
- Prof Maui Hudson (opens in a new tab) – Research aim lead
- Natalie Kusabs (opens in a new tab)– key researcher
- Tahira Edmonds - Research assistant (Rapa Nui)
- Dr Leke Hutchins – key researcher
- Assoc Prof Maria Sapignoli (opens in a new tab) – key researcher (University of Milan)
- Rebekah Crosswell https://profiles.waikato.ac.nz/d3-rjc32 (opens in a new tab)
- Jordan Pearse
- Danny Paruru
- Katie Riddle https://profiles.waikato.ac.nz/katie.riddle (opens in a new tab)
- Dr Chris Kavelin https://chriskavelin.com/ (opens in a new tab)
This project is by the Wellcome Trust (opens in a new tab) and led by the University of Iceland. (opens in a new tab)
Research outputs
Manukau, M., Hudson, M., Kusabs, N., & Mahuta, N. (2026). He rangahau tauutuutu: Research reciprocity framework. Te Kotahi Research Institute, University of Waikato. https://doi.org/10.15663/210920.6511 (opens in a new tab)
A, Fry., C, Smith., R.J, Eden., et al. (2026). State of the World’s Plants and Fungi 2026. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. https://doi.org/10.34885/rdzs-ky83 (opens in a new tab)