BioShorts 2025 Conference on Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity
7th November 2025 - Newcastle, UK
Dr. Mirela Cuculescu-Santana
Dr. Mirela Cuculescu-Santana, PhD MRSB SFHEA, brings a wealth of expertise to our conference as one of our esteemed keynote speakers. With over 25 years at Northumbria University, she has made a significant impact in the field of captive animal enrichment, particularly in otter and turtle ecology. Through her mentorship of countless dissertation projects, Dr. Cuculescu-Santana has long championed primary research projects that tackle intriguing scientific inquiries. Drawing on real-world examples from her extensive experience, her upcoming presentation will offer invaluable insights for aspiring academics on how to conduct and oversee such projects, emphasising their pivotal role in advancing scientific knowledge and fostering critical thinking. Join us as Dr. Cuculescu-Santana shares her wisdom, guiding attendees on how to effectively conceive, manage, and advocate for impactful research endeavors in academia.
Dr. Gary Caldwell
We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Gary Caldwell, Chair of the Board of Studies for Biology and Marine Science Undergraduate Programmes at Newcastle University, as one of our esteemed keynote speakers. Dr. Caldwell’s diverse and impactful research spans algae biotechnology, chemical ecology, and marine microbiomes. In his keynote, Dr. Caldwell will dive into his groundbreaking work with Northumbrian Water, where he is applying algae-based systems to address one of the most pressing issues in environmental sustainability—wastewater treatment. With two algae-based processes already in operation at treatment plants in Teesside and Birtley, Dr. Caldwell will demonstrate how algae and algae-based living materials are transforming wastewater management, contributing to cleaner water and a more sustainable future. This presentation is a must-see for those interested in seeing how cutting-edge research is actively shaping industries and solving environmental problems. Dr. Caldwell's talk will provide invaluable insights into the practical application of biological science, showcasing how researchers can translate their scientific knowledge into solutions that have a lasting, real-world impact.
