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 School of Geography and the Environment

Ecosystems Research

This interdisciplinary research theme consists of ECI research groups which aim to undertake research to advance our scientific understanding of ecosystems and their role in the Earth's system; examine how humans and other species interact with these ecosystems, particularly in the context of climate change; and explore the social, cultural and political impact of such interactions. Using this knowledge we can advise how best to respond to the changes and help people live in harmony with the environment around them.

Key research initiatives

  • Ecosystem Dynamics Laboratory

    The ECI Ecosystem Dynamics Programme seeks to understand what makes contemporary ecosystems; and how they may be affected by direct human pressures and global atmospheric change.

  • Forest Governance

    The ECI Forest Governance Programme seeks to strengthen our understanding of how state and non-state institutions and actors shape decisions about the conservation and use of forest resources around the world.

  • Biodiversity and Climate Adaptation

    With increasing pressures on our environment as a result of climate change and anthropogenic impacts, our research aims to increase understanding of complex human-climate-ecosystem interactions. The ECI's Biodiversity and Climate Adaptation research group is at the forefront of integrating and improving techniques for the observation and projection of the effects of environmental change on species, ecosystems and the services they provide at the international and national level.

  • African Ecology

    Much of the ECI's work on African Ecology is undertaken by the Trapnell Fellow. Current projects include Burning for Biodiversity, which brings together biodiversity research with capacity building and external communication to promote effective fire and conservation management in South African savannas.

  • Oxford Centre for Tropical Forests (OCTF)

    The OCTF has been launched to bring together the vast amount of intellectual capital and practical issues relating to tropical forests within the locality. The OCTF aims to foster greater links and intensify synergies between all those interested in the past, present and future of tropical forests.

  • Biodiversity Institute of Oxford (BIO)

    The Biodiversity Institute of Oxford (BIO) has been established to focus existing biodiversity research strengths across the University and to enhance links between the Institute, other relevant departments in the University, and stakeholders in government and non-government organisations. It aims to develop a research agenda focused on the key challenges for global biological diversity in the 21st Century and to facilitate the translation of science into policy, planning and strategy.


An ever expanding team of over 20 research staff and 10 Dphil students work on ecosystems related projects which form part of the School of Geography and the Environment (SoGE) Biodiversity cluster.

Senior Research Fellows in ecosystems research and their area of expertise: