The FAIRe-fier is a metadata validation tool developed as part of the Environomics FSP, NCMI, CSIRO “Making eDNA FAIR” initiative, which aims to improve the reusability and interoperability of environmental DNA (eDNA) data through adherence to FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles.
eDNA-derived data, such as DNA sequences and species occurrence records, are powerful resources for a range of applications, including biodiversity monitoring, biosecurity, and agricultural bio-surveillance. However, the full value of eDNA data is often hindered by inconsistent formats, limited accessibility, and incomplete metadata. While FAIR practices (Wilkinson et al., 2016.
DOI: 10.1038/sdata.2016.18) are increasingly recognized within the eDNA community, widespread adoption remains limited. Data are frequently scattered across repositories and described using inadequate or inconsistent metadata standards. Existing frameworks like Darwin Core (DwC) and the Minimum Information about any (x) Sequence (MIxS) lack critical terms needed to fully document eDNA workflows, from field sampling and laboratory processing to bioinformatic analysis.
To address these challenges, we developed a comprehensive FAIR eDNA (FAIRe) metadata checklist and formatting guidelines by synthesizing elements from existing standards such as DwC and MIxS. These resources help eDNA practitioners structure their datasets according to FAIR principles. To support implementation, we also created a suite of tools and scripts—one of which is the FAIRe-fier.
The FAIRe-fier is a user-friendly, web-based metadata validator that allows researchers to check the completeness and consistency of their metadata without needing scripting experience. After filling out the provided FAIRe metadata template, users can upload their data to the tool for automated validation. The tool checks various components, including whether mandatory terms are completed or, if not, whether a valid reason has been provided under the information_withheld term in the project metadata. It also verifies that controlled vocabulary entries and fixed-format terms, such as eventDate (which must follow ISO 8601 format), are correctly formatted. If any issues are found, users receive output with warning and error messages, indicating where corrections are needed. Formatted output will be produced when there is no warning message.
All resources, including the metadata checklist, template, formatting tools, step-by-step guidelines, and supporting documentation, are freely available on the FAIRe website (https://fair-edna.github.io/index.html) and detailed in the peer-review manuscript:
Takahashi et al. (2025). A metadata checklist and data formatting guidelines to make eDNA FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable). Environmental DNA. 10.1002/edn3.70100.
