University College Isle of Man and Biosphere Isle of Man have confirmed Dr Mairi McFadyen as keynote speaker for the 2026 Biosphere Isle of Man Research Festival.
The festival opens on Thursday, October 22 at the Villa Marina.
Her address, Songs, Stories and Stewardship: Culture and Nature in a Living Biosphere, will explore how cultural heritage can inform more sustainable futures.
Based in the Scottish Highlands, Dr McFadyen is a researcher, educator and creative practitioner known for her engaging approach to the links between culture and environmental understanding.
This year’s keynote aligns with Blein ny Gaelgey – the Year of Manx, with Dr McFadyen set to reflect on the deep connections between language, landscape and identity, and how Manx traditions can help guide a resilient future for the island’s Biosphere.
The Annual Biosphere Lecture again forms the centrepiece of the two‑day festival, which continues on Friday, October 23.
More than 300 people attended last year’s event, bringing together researchers, academics, businesses and students from on and off‑island.
