A collaboration between QEII High School and two Manx charities will see A-level students use trace DNA to investigate wildlife living in the island’s rivers, ponds and wetlands.
The scheme, ‘Freshwater Forensics’, is being run in partnership with Manx National Heritage and Manx Wildlife Trust, and aims to help researchers use trace DNA to detect elusive species at sites including the Calf of Man and Laxey Wheel.
Eleven students will take part in the project, which is supported by eDNA testing company Taxa Genomics, with their responsibilities including identifying sampling locations and analysing results.
Niamh Rowe, a scientist at Taxa Genomics, said: “By giving students the opportunity to contribute to a real‑world scientific project, we hope to help inspire the next generation of Manx conservationists and scientists, while collecting significant biodiversity data to support Manx National Heritage and the Manx Wildlife Trust in informing their future conservation decisions.”
Graham Makepeace-Warne, Chief Executive Officer of Manx Wildlife Trust, agreed, saying: “The Isle of Man UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is an extraordinary living laboratory.
“This exciting project gives students a unique opportunity to help us understand and protect our freshwater environments using innovative eDNA technology.”
Students intend to share their experience of the project at University College Isle of Man’s 2026 Research Festival. The festival, themed “Biosphere IOM”, will take place at the Villa Marina in October.