Application of Next‐Generation DNA Sequencing inEnvironmental Risk Assessment and Monitoring:Future ChallengesIBM Forum, Milan, Italy08.30 - 18.30, Friday 13th May, 2011The emergence of next‐generation sequencing platforms is revolutionizing the nature and quantity of data available for ecological risk assessment and monitoring applications. This one‐day workshop seeks to bring together leading international experts in this area to inform and engage the ERA community regarding new science, which is transforming key aspects of their field.Topics to be addressed include a review of the current state of the science in ecosystem assessment, in terms of biodiversity discovery and taxonomic analysis; new developments in bioinformatics and ecoinformatics data workflows for rapid and accurate evaluation of biological samples; the application of high‐throughput genomics in environmental monitoring and assessment; new directions in analysis of remediation site characteristics and prospective risk assessment. There will be ample time provided during the workshop for discussion and exchange of ideas ‐ the purpose of the workshop is to begin to explore possible linkages and partnerships for the future development and application of this exciting new technology.