

# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Freshwater forensics: Using DNA to solve mysteries of biodiversity change
- **Event Start and End Date**: Wed, 18 Mar, 2026 at 05:30 pm – Wed, 18 Mar, 2026 at 07:00 pm
- **Event Description**: Professor Bernd Hänfling inaugural professorial lecture (in person and online)About this EventProfessor Bernd Hänfling, Director of Research at the Institute for Biodiversity and Freshwater Conservation at UHI Inverness, will explore how population genetics and environmental DNA (eDNA) approaches are transforming our ability to detect hidden underwater biodiversity. His talk will highlight how DNA-based methods enhance our understanding of ecological change and provide powerful tools to support evidence-based conservation. He will also reflect on his personal and academic journey in molecular ecology, sharing insights from his career studying freshwater ecosystems.Event summaryJoin us at UHI Inverness for a landmark academic occasion as Professor Bernd Hänfling delivers his inaugural professorial lecture. This special event celebrates his outstanding contributions to molecular ecology and his pioneering research into the ecology and evolution of freshwater organisms.In this engaging and thought-provoking lecture, Professor Hänfling will explore how population genetics and environmental DNA (eDNA) approaches are transforming our understanding of underwater biodiversity. By applying cutting-edge DNA-based tools, his research reveals hidden diversity beneath the water’s surface, tracks ecological change across time and space, and strengthens evidence-based conservation efforts.With extensive experience in studying freshwater ecosystems, Professor Hänfling’s work centres on understanding the interplay between natural and anthropogenic processes that shape the geographic distribution of biodiversity. His earlier research investigated the phylogeography and population genetics of freshwater fish and invertebrates, uncovering colonisation histories and dispersal pathways of both native and invasive species. Through population genomic approaches, he has also examined how local adaptations arise and persist within aquatic populations.More recently, he has been at the forefront of advancing environmental DNA methodologies for monitoring freshwater diversity. He has contributed significantly to the development of eDNA metabarcoding techniques to estimate fish community diversity, particularly within the framework of Water Framework Directive (WFD) monitoring of lentic ecosystems. Alongside applied monitoring, his fundamental research using eDNA continues to address key ecological questions in aquatic environments, demonstrating how molecular tools can illuminate complex ecological processes.A passionate advocate of evidence-based conservation, Professor Hänfling is committed to translating scientific discoveries into practical management strategies and policy development. He actively collaborates with stakeholders to ensure that robust scientific evidence informs conservation decisions and supports the sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems.The lecture will also offer a personal reflection on his academic journey, from early research in population genetics to leading innovations in molecular ecology, providing insight into the challenges, breakthroughs, and motivations that have shaped his career.This inaugural lecture promises to be an inspiring and accessible event for academics, students, environmental practitioners, policymakers, and anyone interested in biodiversity, ecology, and the future of freshwater conservation.Event schedule:5pm Registration opens5.30pm Welcome followed by laudation: Professor Chris O’Neil, Principal and Chief Executive of UHI Inverness, welcomes attendees and gives a brief highlight of Professor Hanfling’s career and achievements.5.40pm Inaugural lecture: Professor Hanfling presents lecture titled ‘Freshwater forensics: Using DNA to solve the mysteries of biodiversity change’ and his personal and academic journey.6pm Q&amp;A session: The audience engages with Professor Hanfling through an interactive discussion6.15pm Vote of thanks: Final words of appreciation from Professor Chris O’Neil6.20pm Welcome to the Professoriate: Professor Hanfling is formally welcomed into the professoriate by Professor Brian Williams, Deputy Principal Academic and Research of the University of the Highlands and Islands.6.30pm: Reception and networking: An opportunity to connect over refreshments and nibbles7pm Event finishesRecording the eventWe may record the event (the physical or digital event) and make it available to the public by publishing on the UHI website or other online video hosting platforms such as YouTube.If you choose to share your video or audio feed and name when you join the event digitally, this information may be captured as part of the recording.If you ask a question during, or at the end of the event, this may be recorded. You can avoid your personal data being recorded by:Turning off your webcamTurning off your microphonePlease read our policy on how we treat any personal information collected in relation to our events:Data Protection Statement for EventsUntitled agenda?: 05:00 PM - 05:30 PMRegistration?: 05:30 PM - 06:30 PMInagural lecture, welcome to the professoriate and Q&amp;A session?: 06:30 PMNetworking reception
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/inverness/freshwater-forensics-using-dna-to-solve-mysteries-of-biodiversity-change/100001984297962622
- **Event Categories**: virtual
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 0

## Ticket Details

- **Ticket URL**: https://consumer.pxf.io/c/1339408/3151484/39691?partnerpropertyid=1191892&MediaPartnerPropertyId=1191892&svlink=14105511&level=1&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eventbrite.com%2Fe%2Ffreshwater-forensics-using-dna-to-solve-mysteries-of-biodiversity-change-tickets-1984297962622
- **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 0, currency: GBP

## Event venue details

- **city**: Inverness
- **state**: SC
- **country**: United Kingdom
- **location**: UHI Inverness
- **lat**: 57.47727699999999
- **long**: -4.1843233
- **full address**: UHI Inverness, I Inverness Campus, Inverness, United Kingdom

## Event Organizer details

- **affiliate_id**: 10
- **organizer**: University of the Highlands and Islands (https://allevents.in/org/university-of-the-highlands-and-islands/18274352)

## Event gallery

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- **Alt text**: thumbnail
  - **Image URL**: https://dyn-image.allevents.in/generate-image?v=4&title=Freshwater+forensics%3A+Using+DNA+to+solve+mysteries+of+biodiversity+change&date=18+Mar

## FAQs

- **Q**: When is the event happening?
  - **A:** Wed, 18 Mar, 2026 at 05:30 pm
- **Q**: Where is the event happening?
  - **A:** UHI Inverness, I Inverness Campus, Inverness, United Kingdom
- **Q**: What is the ticket price?
  - **A:** starting from 0 up to 0 GBP
- **Q**: Who is organizing the event?
  - **A:** University of the Highlands and Islands
- **Q**: What type of event is this?
  - **A:** virtual
- **Q**: Where can I find ticket details about Freshwater forensics: Using DNA to solve mysteries of biodiversity change ?
  - **A:** You can find ticket details about this event on AllEvents.

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