LifeWatch ERIC Thematic Service Working Group
Automating biodiversity observation from field to data
The group brings together researchers and infrastructure specialists to improve how biodiversity observations are collected, curated and explored—from aerial surveys and autonomous sensors to environmental DNA.
Purpose
Connecting field methods, data and computation
Biodiversity assessment faces time-intensive fieldwork, demanding post-fieldwork data processing and limited storage capacity. Advances in automated data collection, computing power and artificial intelligence create new ways to address those constraints.
The group reviews the requirements for effective assessment and connects methods that are often developed separately. Its scope runs from aerial observation to eDNA, with data curation, exploration and FAIR principles supporting interoperable services and future digital twins.
Key objectives
Priority Work Areas
The official working-group programme groups its work into six objectives, from monitoring methods and data infrastructure to collaboration and virtual research environments.
- 01
Explore biodiversity monitoring methods
Identify and integrate machine learning, remote sensing and eDNA, while reducing reliance on labour-intensive fieldwork through automation.
- 02
Optimise data collection and processing
Develop efficient, scalable approaches to collection and curation, with better storage, accessibility and interoperability.
- 03
Advance AI and computational tools
Apply machine learning and computational models to species identification, habitat mapping, ecological trends and automated interpretation.
- 04
Promote FAIR data principles
Keep biodiversity data findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable through shared data-exchange protocols.
- 05
Foster international collaboration
Build partnerships through conferences, workshops and knowledge exchange, sharing practical approaches to automated assessment.
- 06
Develop and apply VRE technology
Create virtual ecosystem models to simulate environmental change, predict biodiversity responses and support conservation planning.
Stay involved
Contribute to the working group
Stay engaged as the group tests new approaches to biodiversity monitoring. Researchers, technologists and decision-makers can share expertise, follow the programme and contribute to practical solutions for ecosystem assessment.
Launch workshop
The 2024 Ljubljana meeting
Hosted at the National Institute of Biology in Ljubljana, the April 2024 meeting brought together specialists in ecology, molecular biology, remote sensing, data infrastructure and artificial intelligence.
Twelve talks covered practical systems already being used or developed—from autonomous insect collection and nanopore sequencing to camera traps, acoustic monitoring, habitat mapping and FAIR digital-twin infrastructure. A closing panel identified common obstacles and opportunities for cooperation.
Coordinators
Andreja Ramšak
Anamarija ŽagarTimeline
Roadmap 2025-2026
Meetings, webinars and international networking
Discuss emerging monitoring technologies, organise webinars on machine learning, eDNA and automated collection, and connect researchers, technologists and decision-makers.
Collaborative research and case studies
Run pilot projects that test new monitoring methods and publish scientific and public-facing reports on advances in biodiversity assessment.
Data standardisation and FAIR implementation
Develop practical guidance for data curation and sharing, aligned with Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable standards.
Virtual research environments for ecosystem simulation
Create virtual ecosystem models to predict environmental changes and strengthen conservation strategies with AI-driven simulations.
Official resources
Explore the programme and take part
Working group participation is managed through the LifeWatch ERIC Community. Members can request access to the group after signing in.