IBFC Celebrates Graduates of 2025!
The Institute for Biodiversity and Freshwater Conservation (IBFC) at UHI Inverness proudly celebrates the achievements of its 2025 graduates. This year’s cohort includes exceptional researchers making significant contributions to biodiversity, conservation, and ecological sciences.
The Institute for Biodiversity and Freshwater Conservation (IBFC) at UHI Inverness proudly celebrates the achievements of its 2025 graduates. This year’s cohort includes exceptional researchers making significant contributions to biodiversity, conservation, and ecological sciences.
Matthew Curran, PhD
Matthew’s PhD explored the effectiveness of knowledge exchange among stakeholders involved in freshwater biodiversity conservation. His research used Scottish Atlantic salmon and sea trout fisheries as a case study to enhance collaborative conservation strategies. Matt continues to work at UHI Inverness, teaching and contributing to research at the Institute for Biodiversity and Freshwater Conservation.
Lydia McGill, PhD
Lydia’s research used genomic techniques to guide marine conservation. She investigated population connectivity in the ecologically important flame shell, which forms large ‘reefs’ off the Scottish west coast, and two species of razor clams which are locally harvested. Co-supervised by NatureScot and funded by the SUPER doctoral programme, her work will influence the design of Marine Protected Areas. She is now working for NatureScot.
Alanna-Jo McCallum, MRes
Alanna-Jo’s MRes project characterized the microbiome of the critically endangered Scottish freshwater pearl mussel, using state-of-the-art genetic sequencing approaches. She went on to undertake an internship at the University of Cambridge, and aims to establish a career in research, with a focus on zoonotic diseases.
The Institute for Biodiversity and Freshwater Conservation (IBFC) at UHI Inverness, congratulates all graduates for their dedication and outstanding contributions to advancing biodiversity research and conservation.