The Ecosystems and Biodiversity Programme brings together complementary research groups and laboratories to understand how ecosystems function, respond to environmental change, and support both nature and people.
The Ecosystems and Biodiversity Programme brings together complementary research groups and laboratories to understand how ecosystems function, respond to environmental change, and support both nature and people.
Research within the Programme spans field ecology, Earth observation, modelling, and the social sciences, with a strong emphasis on tropical ecosystems alongside long-term research at sites such as Wytham Woods. Across these approaches, we examine how ecosystems are shaped by climate change, biodiversity loss, land-use change, and other human pressures, as well as the social, cultural, and political dimensions of these interactions.
A core strength of the Programme is its integrated focus on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and climate adaptation. Our researchers develop and apply advanced methods to observe, map, and project environmental change, assess impacts on species and ecosystems, and evaluate the services they provide. This work informs effective conservation strategies and policy responses that recognise the close interdependence between nature and society.
Programme research also addresses the management of natural capital and the design of adaptation and mitigation pathways that safeguard biodiversity while supporting broader sustainability goals. Through this work, we contribute evidence and expertise to decision-makers working at the interface of ecology, conservation, and environmental policy.
The Programme is led by Professor Yadvinder Malhi and includes the Ecosystems Lab, the Functional Biodiversity & Earth Observation Lab (BioEO Lab), the Biodiversity & Behavioural Science Team (BBeST), and close links with the Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery.
Further details of the team’s research projects and activities can be found on the Oxford Ecosystems website.
