Dr Lauren Cook – NBN Conference 2025

Abstract: eDNA methods are advancing rapidly for monitoring nature. This talk explores the challenges and opportunities in translating eDNA into policy and practice.

Lauren is a molecular ecologist at UKCEH researching the application of environmental DNA (eDNA) in biodiversity monitoring. The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) is a leading independent research institute dedicated to understanding and transforming how we interact with the natural world.

Alongside her work and research at UKCEH, Lauren creates scientific diagrams, infographics, and animations to engage both the wider scientific community and non-specialist audiences with ecology. She is also an award-winning artist and science communicator and as well as giving a presentation, Lauren is joining the NBN Conference 2025 as conference artist, sketching taxa featured in talks and hosting a “Draw Your Study Organism / Favourite Species” corner with guidance and tutorials. The displayed artworks will showcase the biodiversity studied by participants and highlight the connections between science and art as interdisciplinary tools for communication, encouraging observation, interpretation, and deeper engagement with the natural world.

Lauren combines her interests in science and creativity through science communication, specialising in art and animation to raise awareness for conservation issues. Her watercolour-illustrated stop-motion short films have been selected for numerous national and international film festivals and have received multiple awards. Her film Beavers: Nature’s Ecosystem Engineers was the overall and animation winner of the 2021 Conservation Optimism Good Natured Film Festival.