Research Festival 2025: Celebrating Our Biosphere
The Isle of Man’s future took centre stage on 16 October, as Biosphere Isle of Man partnered with University College Isle of Man (UCM), with the annual Biosphere lecture opening the seventh annual Research Festival for the first time.
Titled: Living in a Laboratory – Co-creating the Future of Isle of Man Biosphere, and delivered by Dr Ruth Stevenson and Rachel Tuckett from the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), in the Dyfi Biosphere in Wales, the session invited attendees to think boldly about what it means to live in a UNESCO Biosphere – and how we can shape a thriving future together. Driven by Ruth and Rachel’s expertise in systems change and participatory processes, the event was far from a traditional lecture.
The evening combined systems science, radical imagination, and creativity, encouraging participants to explore how change happens in living systems and how collective action can drive transformation. The room buzzed with energy as attendees engaged in future visioning exercises, stepping into the shoes – or fins, if you found yourself representing a basking shark! – of different members of our island community, including both humans and non-human beings. This imaginative approach sparked conversations about challenges and opportunities across our Biosphere and beyond, highlighting the need for collaboration and joined up thinking to create a sustainable, healthy future for all.
The interactive format proved powerful. Instead of simply absorbing information, participants connected, shared ideas and discovered fresh perspectives. Discussions revealed a clear appetite for positive change and showcased the ambition present on the island as Biosphere Isle of Man prepares to launch its new 10-year strategy.
Events like this remind us why the Isle of Man is proud to be a UNESCO Biosphere: our culture, nature and community are deeply intertwined. Shaping the future requires creativity, science, shared responsibility, and –most importantly - collaboration. By imagining together, we strengthen our sense of place and our commitment to a resilient, vibrant island.
A heartfelt thank you to the inspiring team from the Centre for Alternative Technology, to all partners involved in making the event possible, and to every attendee who contributed their ideas and enthusiasm!
For more information about the Research Festival, and to watch the inspiring variety of talks, lectures and workshops, see this page.
