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Meet the Leaders of the ETH BiodivX team

Discover the leaders of the ETH BiodivX group, who are leading the team for the Amazon rainforest conservation through cutting-edge technology, community engagement, and innovative scientific research.

For the XPRIZE Rainforest final in Brazil, ETH BiodivX assembled a team and a plan that matched the scale and complexity of the task ahead. The mission is to develop a fleet of instruments capable of remotely surveying different strata of a rainforest ecosystem, extracting meaningful insights under tight time constraints, and ultimately achieving autonomous operation. The interdisciplinary team comprises experts in robotic engineering, DNA sequencing and analysis, species classification, habitat conservation financing, management, movement building, social science research, data science, information visualization, music, and visual art.

The ETH BiodivX group is a collaboration of brilliant minds from ETH Zurich, working together to advance the understanding and preservation of the Amazon rainforest. Their project operates on three main fronts, each led by a dedicated expert: David Dao, Stefano Mintchev, and Kristy Deiner.

SPOTLIGHT

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    Stefano Mintchev, Innovator in Technology Development

    Stefano Mintchev

    Innovator in Technology Development

    Stefano Mintchev, an SNSF Professor at the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich, leads the technology development of drones and systems for capturing eDNA, sounds and images in the Amazon. His expertise in robotic engineering is critical to the project’s success, as he and his team design and deploy advanced instruments to gather data from the rainforest. Stefano’s team’s innovations enable the comprehensive and efficient collection of environmental data, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries and conservation strategies.

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    Kristy Deiner, Pioneer in eDNA Sequencing

    Kristy Deiner

    Pioneer in eDNA Sequencing

    Kristy Deiner, Co-Founder & CEO of SimplexDNA and an Assistant Professor at the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich, is at the forefront of the creative sequencing of environmental DNA (eDNA). Her work involves developing and refining methods to analyze DNA collected from the environment, providing insights into the biodiversity of the Amazon. Kristy’s leadership in this area allows the team to detect and catalog species in the rainforest, even those that are elusive or endangered. Her contributions are crucial to understanding the complex ecosystems within the Amazon and designing effective conservation measures.

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    David Dao, Champion of Global and Inclusive Decentralized Science

    David Dao

    Champion of Global and Inclusive Decentralized Science

    David Dao, the co-founder and executive director of GainForest and a senior researcher at ETH Zurich on AI for Nature & Climate, leads the insights development and platform. His role involves the development of AI/ML for biodiversity insight generation and engaging with local and Indigenous communities, ensuring their involvement and feedback are integral to the project. By fostering these connections, David helps democratize science, making it accessible and participatory for diverse groups worldwide. His work ensures that the insights and wisdom of these communities are incorporated into the broader scientific efforts of ETH BiodivX.

The ETH BiodivX project is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative thinking. Under the leadership of David Dao, Stefano Mintchev, and Kristy Deiner, the team is making significant strides in advancing rainforest conservation through cutting-edge technology, community engagement, and scientific research. By integrating expertise from diverse fields, ETH BiodivX is not only enhancing our understanding of the Amazon but also leaving a lasting impact on local communities and the global scientific community.

Learn more about the ETH BiodivX team and their technology by clicking here.

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    Sofia Costa

    Communications Manager

    Gabriela Devaud

    Art & Science Program Manager
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