FREYJA
Fostering Reciprocity in Environmental DNA scienve through Yielded stewardship, Just benefit, and Accountability
Project overview
FREYJA’s 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 – Research aim lead
- Natalie Kusabs – key researcher
- Tahira Edmonds - Research assistant (Rapa Nui)
- Dr Leke Hutchins – key researcher
- Assoc Prof Maria Sapignoli – key researcher (University of Milan)
- Rebekah Crosswell https://profiles.waikato.ac.nz/d3-rjc32
- Jordan Pearse
- Danny Paruru
- Katie Riddle https://profiles.waikato.ac.nz/katie.riddle
- Dr Chris Kavelin https://chriskavelin.com/
This project is by the Wellcome Trust and led by the University of Iceland.
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
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