Environmental Detectives: What can eDNA tell us about biodiversity? with Prof. Bernd Hänfling

Understanding how biodiversity responds to human activities and environmental restoration is increasingly important for protecting our planet’s ecosystems. To tackle this challenge, we are using innovative tools like environmental DNA (eDNA). This cutting-edge method detects traces of DNA left behind by animals and plants in water, soil, or air, allowing us to identify which species are present without needing to see or capture them directly.

This talk will explain how eDNA works in simple terms and share fascinating examples of how it’s being used at the Institute of Biodiversity and Freshwater Conservation to study and protect nature.

Professor Bernd Hänfling is the Director of the Institute for Biodiversity and Freshwater Conservation at UHI Inverness and a Fellow of the Freshwater Biological Association. His research focuses on using molecular tools, particularly environmental DNA (eDNA), to study freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem health. Bernd has contributed to developing innovative eDNA techniques for monitoring fish and invertebrate communities, providing critical insights for conservation and management. He collaborates closely with stakeholders and is a founding member of the UK-DNA Working Group, advancing the application of DNA-based biomonitoring in ecological research and policy.

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