1. Name of the Table
The Table on Environmental DNA of Quebec (TAQ), hereinafter referred to as “TAQ”, serves both as a facilitator to ensure communication between the various stakeholders involved in environmental DNA (or eDNA) technology and as a think tank and coordination group on various aspects related to the use of eDNA in Quebec, including technology deployment, access to reliable resources, and data governance.
2. University Affiliation
Since its founding, TAQ has been affiliated with INRS. However, the managing institution may change by decision of TAQ’s management team or upon the awarding of a grant ensuring its sustainability. The person responsible for the group is not necessarily affiliated with the managing institution.
3. Mission and Objectives
TAQ’s mission is to inform, assist, and serve as a resource for the Canadian population, non-profit organizations (NPOs), First Nations, Inuit, industry, academia, as well as government bodies (federal, provincial, and municipal) regarding eDNA technology. TAQ’s website hosts a user guide as well as a list of laboratory services available in Quebec and neighboring regions to meet the growing demand for eDNA-related services (taq.info).
TAQ’s objectives include:
3.1 Democratizing access to eDNA by ensuring knowledge sharing between scientists and the Canadian population, non-profit organizations (NPOs), First Nations, Inuit, industry, academia, as well as government bodies (federal, provincial, and municipal), and all other end users;
3.2 Assisting eDNA users by guiding them toward the most up-to-date methodological resources and services available in Quebec;
3.3 Strengthening partnerships, combining efforts and resources, and maximizing the use of Quebec’s facilities and equipment;
3.4 Integrating and strengthening innovative and multidisciplinary research on eDNA in Quebec and Canada, as well as international connections, by increasing collaboration and interactions.
4. Members
TAQ comprises the following member categories:
4.1 Service Provider Member A service provider member offers one or more services directly or indirectly related to eDNA technology. Services include (but are not limited to): training, sampling, laboratory analysis, data analysis, data interpretation, and data storage. A member can be both a service provider and service user.
4.2 Service User Member A service user member wishes to use one or more services directly or indirectly related to eDNA technology. Services include (but are not limited to): training, sampling, laboratory analysis, data analysis, data interpretation, and data storage. A member can be both a service provider and service user.
4.3 Partner Organization The organization is interested in eDNA technology and wishes to stay informed about developments surrounding this technology. Organizations wishing to become partners must send their logo and agree to share TAQ’s logo on their website.
5. Management and Direction of TAQ Activities
TAQ’s governance follows the results-based governance model. This model may be modified by decision of the steering committee or when a grant process requires it.
5.1 Definition of Leaders
The Director is identified as the person responsible for TAQ. The term is three years. In case of withdrawal, the Co-Director assumes the remaining duration of the term. It is recommended that the two positions of Director and Co-Director not end in the same year to facilitate the transfer of collective memory. In this case, if the Co-Director does not wish to take over, the Director may have a second three-year term. A maximum of three terms is possible.
The Co-Director assists the Director in their responsibilities. The Co-Director’s term is three years. In case of withdrawal of the Co-Director or their appointment as Director of TAQ, an interim Co-Director will be appointed by the steering committee for the remaining duration of the term. It is preferable that the Co-Director become the Director at the end of their three-year term to ensure the transfer of collective memory.
TAQ’s leadership shares the roles of direction and management of TAQ. Their primary role is to inspire members and ensure positive and healthy management of TAQ. At the end of their terms, a call for applications is opened and the management team ensures an effective transition.
The Coordinator reports directly to TAQ’s management team. They ensure the coordination of TAQ and its activities.
5.2 Definition of Committees
The Steering Committee is responsible for strategically planning TAQ’s various activities and evaluating its accomplishments. It is composed of the management team, TAQ’s coordinator, as well as 8-12 service provider and user members representing the most activity sectors of TAQ.
The External Advisory Committee guides the steering committee annually. The external advisory committee is composed of 4-6 people representing the Canadian federal government and the international expert community, as well as the participation of TAQ’s management and coordination team.
6. Membership Procedure
A person or organization interested in joining TAQ must complete the membership form. Please note that the leadership, steering committee, and external advisory committee are not responsible for services provided by its members.
7. Approval and Modification of Statutes
The steering committee approves these statutes on its own initiative. All TAQ members may propose modifications to the statutes. Any proposed modification to the statutes must be approved by the steering committee.