Join us for our 8th Annual Research Festival - in partnership with Biosphere Isle of Man
Date: Thursday 22nd & Friday 23rd October 2026
Location: Colonnade & Promenade Suites, Villa Marina
Theme: Our Biosphere
How to book:
Booking is essential.
To book a place at the keynote address (which has a small cost) please purchase your ticket through this eventbrite link.
Tickets for the rest of the Research Festival are free - sign up on Eventbrite here.
What is the Research Festival
Hosted by UCM in partnership with researchers on and off the Island (and this year in partnership with Biosphere Isle of Man), UCM is taking a collaborative approach to promoting a vibrant and productive research community through the sharing of resources, events and networking opportunities. Our goal is to facilitate collaboration between researchers, on and off-Island; promote the reputation of Island-based research, and educate.
The Research Festival offers students, independent researchers and guests alike the opportunity to listen to presentations, participate in research workshops and network over coffee and lunch.
Itinerary
Thursday 22nd October
Keynote address the Biosphere Isle of Man Annual Lecture) Songs, Stories and Stewardship: Culture and Nature in a Living Biosphere.
Presented by Dr Mairi McFadyen
Synopsis: Dr McFadyen, based in the Scottish Highlands, is a researcher, educator and creative practitioner and a compelling and engaging speaker, The lecture will offer a powerful perspective on the role of culture in shaping environmental understanding and action. Her lecture will invite audiences to consider how individuals and communities can draw on their own cultural heritage to strengthen connections with nature and contribute to the future of the Isle of Man Biosphere.
In the context of Blein ny Gaelgey (the Year of Manx), this year’s lecture is timely. Dr McFadyen will reflect on the deep and enduring links between language, culture and environment, highlighting how the Manx language and cultural traditions are rooted in the Island’s landscapes—and how they can help guide a more sustainable and resilient future.
Book your place on eventbrite here
6.15pm: welcome reception, canapes and welcome drink, music from Scran
7pm - 7.15: welcome and official opening of the Research Festival
7.15pm - 8.25pm: Keynote Lecture
8.25pm - 8.30: closing
Friday 23rd October
9am: Registration and informal networking
9.15am:
The Manx Blue Carbon Project
Presented by: Dr Hannah Muir, Applied Scientist at the National Oceanography Centre, and Jacqui Keenan from Biosphere Isle of Man
Synposis:
Please note, this session will be live on Zoom.
Nietzsche Goes Motorcycle Racing at The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT): Risk Management & Individual Freedom
Presented by: Tony Cain – Independent Researcher (read Tony's bio here)
Synposis: This paper will explore how the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy motorcycle road races (the TT) might be understood through the lens of Nietzschean philosophy. Styled “The Road Racing Capital of The World” the TT Course consists of c.38 miles of public roads and is renowned for its high physical risk to competitors in terms of severe injury or death. Universally revered as the optimum test in motorcycle racing, the event’s existential challenge and inherent tragedy are, ironically, central to its compelling and enduring appeal. Within the context of our modern, risk-adverse, safety-conscious society (Breivik 2007) the TT incorporates the dichotomy of control and regulation versus the intrinsic perils of high-risk motorsport. The event prompts intriguing existentialist questions, draws attention to issues around individual freedom and probes the limits of risk negotiated boundaries. Whilst TT racing has been considered from various academic perspectives, for example economics (Vaukins 2014), culture and tourism (Walton 2019) and festival ( Dolles 2023) there is a paucity of philosophical analysis. Drawing on Nietzsche’s interpretation of BC 5th century Greek tragedy (Nietzsche 1993) the paper examines the interplay of two polarised metaphysical creative forces he termed Apollonian (representing structure, order, rationality and individuality) and Dionysian (symbolizing chaos, ecstasy, primal unity and boundary exclusion). I will discuss whether a possible synthesis of these two forces might offer some insights and understanding into how the TT functions within the context of a global cultural phenomenon.
10.15am:
How is AI currently being used within Education and what impact it may have for both teaching and learning at UCM.
Presented by: Clare Pettit MSc, UCM Lecturer (read Clare's Bio here)
Synposis: How is AI currently being used within education and what impact it may have for both teaching and learning at UCM. This research focuses on understanding how AI is currently being used within education at UCM, from both staff and student perspectives, and exploring the impact it may have on teaching and learning.
Closing the Loop: Exploring Circular Economy Opportunities for the Isle of Man
Presented by: Angeliki Tsolka from AECOM (read Angeliki's bio here)
Synposis: The Isle of Man’s Waste Strategy 2025-2035 sets a clear direction towards a more circular approach to waste, with greater emphasis on prevention, reuse, recycling, local recovery and better use of data. The challenge now is how these principles can be translated into practice within the constraints and opportunities of an island. This work explores the idea of looking beyond individual waste streams and considering the Isle of Man as a connected system of material flows. Resources enter the Island, are used, reused, or discarded and eventually recovered locally, exported for treatment or lost through disposal. Better understanding these flows could help identify where materials can remain in use for longer and where new local loops could realistically be created. Existing activities, including green-waste composting, recycling and energy recovery, provide useful starting points. This work considers how they could contribute to a more circular use of resources, while recognising that solutions that work elsewhere may not always be practical or sustainable in an island context. Transport, available infrastructure, environmental impact and economic viability all influence these decisions. It also explores how better data and digital tools could support these choices and help move from simply managing waste towards managing resources more effectively.
11am - 11.30am - Break & networking opportunity
11.30am:
Environmental DNA (eDNA) on the Isle of Man to monitor and understand our Biosphere.
Presented by: Niamh Rowe from Taxa Genomics (read Niamh's bio here)
Synposis: Taxa Genomics is a forensic ecology and environmental DNA (eDNA) company founded and based on the Isle of Man. eDNA uses genetic material left behind in the environment by organisms to answer environmental question and is becoming a widely used tool for biodiversity monitoring in terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems worldwide. eDNA can be used to identify invasive species, analyse community compositions and understand ecological interactions. By using the Isle of Man as a test site for research and development, Taxa Genomics is working on developing and expanding applications of eDNA. This presentation will explore current projects within the Isle of Man Biosphere and showcase the range of eDNA applications being developed on the Isle of Man, as well as potential for future applications and collaborations.
Embedding Outdoor Learning: Supporting Effective Practice in the Secondary Curriculum
Presented by: Marion Arthur (read Marion's bio here)
Synposis: Research exploring how outdoor learning can be embedded across the secondary curriculum, connecting learning with our local environment while supporting engagement, skills and a greater sense of place.
A Cognitive Mindfulness Intervention Using Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence for Academic Procrastination
Presented by: Professor Samantha Banbury from London Metropolitan University (read Samantha's bio here)
Synposis: Research examining the role of mindfulness in supporting academic procrastination and engagement is gaining momentum. However, there are few registered trials, particularly those employing immersive mindfulness virtual reality (VR). The current study evaluated 30 students using a randomised waitlist-controlled trial (WRCT) with active and delayed intervention groups and incorporated a content analysis of participant feedback. Participants engaged in a cognitive mindfulness VR intervention using a VR headset once weekly for approximately 25 minutes over four weeks and used an AI-based mindfulness application between VR sessions. Measures of perceived academic stress, academic self-efficacy, academic engagement, cognitive mindfulness, and academic procrastination were collected at Weeks 0, 4, and 12. Post-intervention, academic procrastination and perceived academic stress were significantly reduced in both the active and delayed groups (p < .05). Significant increases were also observed in cognitive mindfulness, academic self-efficacy, and academic engagement (p < .05). A content analysis of participant feedback revealed that the VR intervention was perceived as engaging and motivating and increased participants’ awareness of their procrastination behaviours. Although these preliminary findings require replication in larger-scale longitudinal studies, they suggest potential benefits of immersive cognitive mindfulness VR and AI-based mindfulness applications in educational settings to support students experiencing academic procrastination and enhance academic engagement.
12.20pm:
Freshwater Forensics: Using eDNA to monitor Manx freshwater biodiversity
Presented by: Richard Seed from Manx National Heritage, Tiphaine Claveau (Manx Wildlife Trust) and QEII A- Level Biology Students
Synposis: Freshwater Forensics is a partnership led by Manx National Heritage, working with Manx Wildlife Trust and QEII High School’s A-Level Biology students. Through eDNA sampling of wetlands, rivers and streams, the project will build baseline evidence on Manx freshwater biodiversity and address important knowledge gaps. Students experience the full scientific process while making a meaningful contribution to research and practical nature conservation.
Evaluating the Success of the Isle of Man UNESCO Biosphere Designation to promote sustainable development
Presented by: Heather Spiers
Synposis: In the biosphere reserve field, the research commonly studied the benefits of the designation to the local area. The majority of studies adopted an ecosystem services framework to measure the impact of these benefits. An ecosystem services framework was useful in these studies to make recommendations for biosphere management. There was a clear gap in the biosphere reserve literature on the unique case of the Isle of Man (IoM). As a result, research was conducted on this case study with an overarching aim to adopt a qualitative approach to evaluate the extent to which the IoM has successfully used the UNESCO biosphere designation for sustainable development, utilizing an ecosystem service framework. Based on methods used in literature, ten semi-structured interviews were conducted of a combined purposive and convenience sample. Study findings highlighted ecosystem services of importance and areas where the participants agreed there were threats. Threats were mainly from politics and the economy and a strong emphasis was placed on cultural services such as education and tourism. The data-driven recommendations included increasing education, receiving political backing and bolstering the existing work of the IoM Biosphere. Going forwards, the recommendations will strengthen the extent to which the IoM has achieved sustainable development.
From the Mouth of Manx Mother's: The Histological results from an assessment of maternal health AD500 - 1500
Presented by: Dr. Marie C. Weale from Manx National Heritage (read Marie's bio here)
Synposis: The first 1,000 days of life are critical in shaping long-term health outcomes, and growing clinical research underscores the importance of vitamin D in relation to all-cause mortality in modern populations. This study employs a multi-method approach to investigate early-life vitamin D deficiency in past populations of the Isle of Man, using human skeletal remains from four medieval sites dating from AD 500–1500. This presentation will focus on the results from the first phase of data collection: dental histology. Eleven lower first permanent molars from non-adult individuals across the four sites were selected for analysis. This tooth was selected because it begins to form at approximately 30 weeks in utero and continues to develop until around 10 years of age, providing an opportunity to investigate vitamin D deficiency from the prenatal period through early childhood. The dental histology identified evidence of multiple episodes of deficiency in individuals without corresponding skeletal indicators. Using dental ageing methods alongside has enabled the age of onset of these episodes of childhood deficiency to be assessed. Framed within life course theory, these findings highlight the potential enduring impacts of early nutritional stress during the first 1,000 days of life and demonstrate how individual experiences of deficiency can vary across the life course. This study provides the first direct bioarchaeological evidence of vitamin D deficiency in past Manx populations and contributes to our understanding of the prevalence, timing, and potential long-term consequences of early-life nutritional stress within the medieval past. Acknowledgements - The research has been funded by Culture Vannin and supported and facilitated by Manx National Heritage. Please note: This presentation will contain images of human skeletal remains
1.15pm: Lunch break & networking opportunity
2pm:
Bat activity on the Calf of Man 2025
Presented by: Adam Denard BSc(Hons) MCIEEM, Senior Ecologist at Ecology Vannin (read Adam's bio here)
Synposis: As part of the on-going study of the Calf of Man (in association with Manx National Heritage (MNH) and Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) Ecology Vannin undertook ultrasonic acoustic bat surveys from May to October 2025 to better understand the use of the islet by Bats in terms of species and seasonality. We found evidence of the presence of a broad range of species including species more associated with woodland habitats, which was surprising given the exposed open landscape in which they were detected. It is unclear whether bats are roosting on the Calf of Man or visiting during their nightly foraging journeys, but we did record bats echolocating close to the expected roost emergence time for Common Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) which potentially relate to bats that have roosted on the islet before emerging to forage.
Provision and Management of Public Transport within Island Communities (Early Findings)
Presented by: Ela Ashton from University of York (School for Business and Society) (read Ela's bio here)
Synposis: This paper/presentation will present the current progress of the research project on public transport management within the Isle of Man. The Isle of Man provides a near unique example of public transport provision, with the government providing both a traditional hub-and-spoke style network of buses providing backbone of land public transport services within the Island, while also being the proprietors of three unique heritage railway systems. These systems - the Isle of Man (Steam) Railway, the Manx Electric Railway and Snaefell Mountain Railway - all opened between 1870 and 1890 as private ventures and predated the earliest bus operations that appeared in the early 1900ʼs. Despite their status as heritage railways, it is clear that the Isle of Manʼs systems have been used and continue to be used in a more traditional public transportation role, with intensified operations during the week of Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) and more recently used in a continuity of service role during industrial action.
CN2i-Advancing a Sustainable Inclusive Space Future
Presented by: Nikita SW Chiu, Associate Professor in Space Innovation & Technology Governance at Durham University (read Nikita's bio here)
Synposis: I am the Founder of CN2i, a collaborative network established with astronaut Naoko Yamazaki and global partners to advance inclusive innovation for critical operations, including outer space, deep sea, and polar exploration. Bringing SHAPE and STEM experts together, CN2i seeks to design and implement inclusive thinking for the next stage of exploration activities, with the goal to strengthen diversity and inclusion in these critical domains. The extremely risk-averse nature of these industries means that only the most tried and tested technologies could be used. Technological advances in these sectors could be heavily path-dependent, developing in a way that becomes more exclusive rather than inclusive. As a result, these critical industries have long suffered from some of the worst ratios in terms of representation. CN2i is working closely across knowledge frontiers to pursue an inclusive space future, with a focus on developing research to support European Space Agency's parastronaut programme.
3pm:
Neuroscience, Nature and Becoming a Scientist
Presented by: Chris Kissack, Independent Researcher (read Chris' Bio here)
Synposis: Chris Kissack is a certified Data Ethics Professional, Isle of Man Tech Educator of the Year 2025, and a recognised keynote speaker, presenter and advisor working across the technology, maritime, space and community sectors. A passionate advocate for lifelong learning and responsible technology, Chris is also a proud member of the team at Acclaim Limited, an Isle of Man-based corporate service provider, while continuing his own journey into computational neuroscience.
Becoming a Scientist: Neuroscience and my voyage of discovery For most of my life, I would never have imagined calling myself a scientist. I struggled with traditional education, scraped through school and wasn’t someone you would have picked out as a future neuroscience student. But my life changed when I attended UCM. Yet years later, I find myself studying computational neuroscience, undertaking my own research and asking questions about the human mind. One of those questions brought me back home: how might the environments in which we live, work and spend time in nature within the Isle of Man UNESCO Biosphere affect the human mind? This presentation follows the development of Mind at Work, Mind in Nature, my exploration of the relationship between our environment, attention and psychological wellbeing within the Biosphere. But the research is only part of the story. I will also share what it has been like learning how to conduct scientific research for the first time: starting with curiosity, developing a research question, challenging my own assumptions, confronting what I don’t know, gathering evidence and learning to think more scientifically. From a childhood fascination with science fiction and Half-Life to studying the human brain and undertaking my own research, this is a presentation about our relationship with the environment, lifelong learning and a very personal voyage of discovery. Ultimately, it asks a question I’ve been working towards for a long time: What does it take to finally call yourself a scientist and feel you’ve earned the right to put on the lab coat?
Behavioural aspects of policymaking: Lessons and implications for the Isle of Man Biosphere
Presented by: Dr Vasileios “Bill” Kallinterakis from Durham University Business School
Synposis: Regulators and policymakers possess access to resources and expertise that render them sophisticated – and, hence, capable of reaching informed decisions. However, they are also human, and this implies their susceptibility to psychological factors (biases and heuristics). These factors have been shown to impact their decision-making and have motivated a series of proposed approaches that have advocated for the incorporation of behavioural elements in regulatory/policymaking practice. These approaches (choice architecture; psychological attraction) are positive in nature, acknowledging the impact of psychological factors in decision-making. This presentation will outline those approaches and showcase evidence in support of the role of psychological factors in regulatory and policymaking practice, in terms of both biasing it, as well as motivating it. We further discuss several implications stemming from the above, before offering an example of how behavioural elements are relevant to the Isle of Man’s regulatory/policymaking practice, by resorting to the case of medical cannabis. Our discussion offers expert insights into the behaviour of regulators and policymakers, coupled with actionable recommendations for their practice on the Isle of Man.
Constructing the Socialist Child: Education, Youth Organisations, and Children’s Media in the People’s Republic of China (1949–1966)
Presented by: Aalish Watts (submission for the Manx Graduate Dissertation Competition) (read Aalish's bio here)
Synposis: This presentation investigates the multi-faceted mechanisms through which the People’s Republic of China (PRC) reimagined the Chinese child as an ‘ideal’ socialist subject. Through utilising a discourse analysis of a wide range of primary sources, including educational directives, People’s Daily reports, Young Pioneer constitutions, and children’s magazines such as Little Friends, this presentation explores how the state rejected the notion of innate human nature in favour of a malleable subject whose loyalty was forged through a controlled environment. The research is structured around three key institutional mechanisms. Firstly it examines how Maoist education served as a pedagogical and political tool for revolutionary perpetuation, aiming to dismantle traditional social structures. Then it explores the Young Pioneers as a “school for communism,” institutionalising children’s time and loyalties to ensure they became reliable “successor” to the revolutionary cause. Finally, it analyses children's media as a potent tool for translating abstract state goals into tangible, visual forms, showing how these stories sought to ‘fix’ the Chinese child into an ever-evolving ideological mould. In summary, this presentation will argue that the construction of the socialist child was a deliberate, state-mandated project of political socialisation essential to the broader Maoist state-building effort.
4.30pm: closing remarks, networking and announcement of the Manx Graduate Research Project Prize
5pm: event end
Please note: timings for sessions may change.
Stands & exhibits:
- IOM Biosphere Artist in Residence Exhibition
- Manx Graduate Dissertation Competition entries
- IOM Government Public Records Office
- The Hive (UCM Library) & TELG
Refreshments
Registered attendees will receive a drink voucher for the Villa Marina. Further drinks can be purchased, along with cakes, from the Hospice Van, which will be located outside the front entrance.
You will be able to purchase lunch on site from Filbey's Catering Van which will also be outside the main entrance. The menu (so you can pre-order your lunch) is available here. To pre-book your lunch email filbeys@manx.net.
Vending machines for confectionary, snacks and soft drinks are on the mezzanine at the Villa Marina.
Previous events
If you missed the Research Festival in previous years you can watch the presentations from: