2024 UK DNA Working Group Conference

You are invited to submit an abstract for the opportunity to present at the 2024 UK DNA Working Group Conference in Inverness. We welcome contributions from both the research and stakeholder communities engaged in DNA-based biodiversity monitoring and assessment. Submissions are encouraged to encompass the breadth of the field. Examples include, but are not limited to innovative applications for monitoring anthropogenic impact and conservation/restoration efforts, work related to capability enhancement (e.g. bioinformatics and technology development), the analysis of DNA-derived data and the development of specific metrics and tools, as well as stakeholder experiences in the operationalisation and application of DNA tools. We look forward to your participation in shaping the discourse at the conference.

Location: UHI House, Old Perth Road, Inverness, IV2 3JH
Event start: 25/04/2024; 09:30
Event end: 26/04/2024; 13:00
Conference tours (optional; see below): 26/04/2024; 14:00 - 17:00 

• Joint Nature Conservation Committee
• Marine Scotland
• Oxford Nanopore Technologies
• Scottish Environment Protection Agency

If you are interested in presenting then please submit an abstract by 23:00 on the 29th February 2024, using the following this abstract submission form. Your submission should include:

• Title
• Presenter
• Authors and author affiliations 
• Abstract for up to 200 words
• Preference for standard presentation (15 minutes including discussion), speed talk (3 Minutes) or poster.

We cannot guarantee your preferred presentation. The organising group will contact you by the end of March to confirm presentations.

The registration fee for the conference is £65 per person, covering refreshments, lunches, and the conference dinner and ceilidh at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness on the evening of April 25th.

A link to the Eventbrite registration page will be available soon.

Registration close 31st March.

Delegates are responsible for booking their own accommodation. The hotels located closest to the conference venues are the Premier Inn Inverness East hotel and the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness.

We strongly recommend early booking, especially considering the high demand for accommodation in Inverness during the tourist season. The total number of delegates is limited to a maximum of 150. Secure your spot and accommodation promptly to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience at the event.

For those staying on Friday afternoon, we offer the opportunity to participate in one of the two organised conference tours at a cost of £25 per person. Each tour is limited to 20 people, and we strongly recommend early registration to secure your spot.

Tour Options:

1. Beaver enclosure at South Clunes Farm
   Tour guide Sofia Del Valle says: “Since being re-introduced to the farm in 2008 the South Clunes beavers have been very busy. Over the last 15 years they have modified and upgraded much of the landscape of our farm. During our 2-hour beaver tours we walk slowly through the area they have been living to look at the impacts beaver have, while discussing the wider ecological and social effects.  We welcome all guests, from academics to those that still think beavers eat fish!”
   
   ► Requirements and accessibility: Participants must be surefooted, as some of the terrain is uneven and lacks a designated footpath. It is essential to wear weatherproof clothing and sturdy shoes for optimal comfort and safety. Regrettably this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. For any other disability-related inquiries or accommodations, please contact the conference organisers.
   
   Website: South Clunes Farm
    
2. Dundreggan Rewilding Centre
   During this two-hour tour, you will experience a one-hour comprehensive guided tour around the Centre’s tree nursery. This portion of the tour will be led by one of our Visitor Experience team members, providing valuable insights into the tree nursery, sharing information about Trees for Life's work, offering historical context, and highlighting the Gaelic connection to the landscape. Following the guided portion, you will have an additional hour for self-guided exploration along the well-maintained footpaths.
   
   ► Requirements and accessibility: While weatherproof clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended, it's worth noting that the paths are accessible to participants with a wide range of abilities, including wheelchair users. For any other disability-related inquiries or accommodations, please contact the conference organisers.
   
   Website: Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

Furthermore, the Highlands region offers a variety of self-guided trips and tours for those seeking additional exploration opportunities. Plan ahead and make the most of your visit to this picturesque area renowned for its rich cultural heritage and important natural resources and wilderness.