Engineering Meets Ecology: Strathclyde’s eDNA Project Supports UK Infrastructure Goals

Strathclyde’s Scientific Innovation Sets New Standards for Nature-Positive Development

The University of Strathclyde is a well-known public research institution, located in Glasgow. Building on its legacy in research and innovation, the university became a world-leading or internationally excellent university by providing more than 90% research outputs. This recognition stands out for the university for excellence in engineering, business and the sciences. Moreover, the university is well known for its international collaborations, entrepreneurial mindset and active students from more than 140 countries.

At the moment, the university is leading an advanced research project that explores how environmental DNA, also known as eDNA, can be used to improve biodiversity monitoring and promote sustainable engineering practices as per today’s demand. The research aims to demonstrate the importance of scientific innovation in transforming the planning and execution of large infrastructure projects, both in the UK and internationally.

Environmental DNA is the genetic traces that living organisms naturally leave behind in their environment, such as soil, water or air. Interestingly, Scientists can collect and analyse these traces without any observation or handling of that particular species. This method is proving increasingly valuable as it allows for early ecological assessments, helps track species during the construction phases and supports evaluations of environmental recovery once the ongoing projects are completed. This is because of non-invasive and high efficiency of this technology, which is playinga  major role in aligning engineering practices with conservation goals.

The study is funded by COWIfonden's Fast & Furious innovation program and is being carried out in collaboration with COWI, a global engineering consultancy. COWI and the University of Strathclyde are collaborating to test the application of eDNA at railway locations throughout the United Kingdom. Observing that this method might provide a quick and more economical solution to calculate Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), which is a legal requirement for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects in England starting in May 2026. Biodiversity Net Gain planning policy ensures that developers must leave the natural environment in a better state than it was in when the project began. Overall, it ensures that any type of construction, housing, transport infrastructure or any energy project should not harm the environment.

UK legislation mandates that developers need to deliver at least a 10% net gain in biodiversity, which can be achieved by creating or enhancing habitats either on development sites or elsewhere. This approach supports nature recovery, strengthens ecosystem resilience, and integrates environmental value into land use and infrastructure planning. It’s part of a broader shift towards nature-positive development, where economic growth and environmental protection go hand in hand. To collect the DNA, scientists need soil samples which contain the genetic material from microbes, plants and animals. Analysing these samples thoroughly, scientists create a thorough and precise picture of biodiversity, which is not possible generally through conventional methods.

Dr Ronnie Mooney, a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Environmental Engineering at Strathclyde, explained that this collaboration brings together biological expertise and engineering practices, making it possible to deliver significant environmental outcomes. This eDNA technology allows scientists to analyse everything from mammals to microbes, offering deeper insight into habitats and informing about long-term soil health. He also emphasised that working with COWI enables the university to apply this innovation to real-world infrastructure projects with meaningful impact.

Contrastingly, traditional biodiversity surveys have limitations due to seasonal conditions and they can also miss rare or protected species. While eDNA is more reliable, reusable, helps to maintain BNG requirement efficiently and also reduces the risks, delays and costs. On the industry side, Andy Sloan, Executive Vice President of COWI UK & International, assured that the company is committed to working only on projects that promote sustainability and completely focus on biodiversity.

Furthermore, the collaboration is a step towards embedding ecological intelligence into engineering, creating the way for smarter, faster and environmentally responsible infrastructure. This approach supports the net zero and BNG goals while setting new standards for sustainable development both in the UK and globally. Initial results from the project are expected in December 2025, and observers see it as a strong example of how science and innovation can reinforce Strathclyde’s reputation as a leading university in Scotland and a global centre for sustainable engineering. As a Glasgow University UK partner and a global university, Strathclyde continues to attract students from around the world. Through research-led teaching and innovation, it prepares graduates for future careers in the UK, the US, and beyond. Its commitment to useful learning ensures that academic excellence translates into real-world impact, making it a top choice for those seeking a university that combines tradition, innovation, and global relevance.

Editor’s Note:

The unprecedented research initiative led by the University of Strathclyde, focusing on the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) to improve biodiversity monitoring and support sustainable engineering, is an example for others. The study demonstrates how scientific innovation can influence infrastructure planning across the UK and internationally. The genetic traces left by organisms in soil, water or air, known as eDNA, can be analysed by scientists without any direct observation, helping in early ecological assessments, species tracking during construction, and post-project recovery. This method is far better than the traditional approach, as it has  proved vital for aligning engineering with conservation goals. Traditional surveys are limited by seasonal factors and may miss rare species. eDNA is more reliable, reusable, and helps meet BNG targets while reducing delays and costs. Additionally, eDNA can detect endangered and invasive species in the early stage, even before they are visible or cause ecological disruption. It also captures how species adapt or relocate as per the changing climate pattern, guiding scientists to adopt new conservation strategies. Seeing their benefits in human health, this technology can identify harmful microbes or viruses in wastewater, which helps to control diseases.

Skoobuzz asserts that the initiative of the university to embed ecological intelligence into engineering, supporting net-zero goals, is setting new standards for sustainable development for others.

FAQs

1. What is environmental DNA (eDNA)? 
Environmental DNA refers to genetic material that organisms naturally shed into their surroundings, such as soil, water, or air. Scientists can collect and analyse these traces without needing to observe or handle the species directly.

2. Why is eDNA important for biodiversity monitoring?
eDNA enables early detection of species, including rare or endangered ones, and provides a more complete picture of biodiversity. It supports ecological assessments before, during, and after infrastructure projects, helping align development with conservation goals.

3. How is eDNA different from traditional biodiversity surveys? 
Traditional surveys often rely on direct observation and are limited by seasonal conditions. eDNA, by contrast, is non-invasive, more reliable, and capable of detecting species that may otherwise go unnoticed.

4. What is the University of Strathclyde’s role in this research? 
Strathclyde is leading a research project that explores the use of eDNA to support sustainable engineering. The university is working in partnership with COWI, a global engineering consultancy, to trial this technology at railway sites across the UK.

5. What is Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)? 
BNG is a planning policy that requires developers to leave the natural environment in a better state than it was before development. In England, a minimum 10% net gain in biodiversity will be legally required for major infrastructure projects from May 2026.

6. How does eDNA help meet BNG requirements? 
eDNA provides faster and more cost-effective biodiversity data, helping developers assess ecological conditions accurately and meet BNG targets with reduced risk, delay, and expense.

7. What are the broader benefits of eDNA technology?
Beyond infrastructure, eDNA can detect invasive species early, track climate-related changes in species distribution, and identify harmful microbes in water systems, supporting both environmental and public health objectives.