Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity, University of York

The Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity examines how the relationship between humanity and the natural world is changing, and how we might develop and maintain a sustainable Earth.

Human activities have caused the world’s physical and biological processes to change so significantly that we increasingly think of Earth as having entered a new geological epoch – the ‘Anthropocene’.

This disruption has resulted in the extinction of many species, but the Anthropocene is also a time of biological gains; it may eventually be considered one of the greatest boosts to biological diversity in history. We aim to understand the causes and consequences of biodiversity gains and losses, and inform and influence how society responds.

Research programmes

Biodiversification

Understanding how human impacts and biological processes underpin the gains and losses of biodiversity and ecosystems.

Philias and phobias

Identifying the causes and consequences of varied human attitudes to the growth and loss of biodiversity.

Utility

Establishing the gains and harms people experience from biodiversity altered by humans and novel ecosystems.

Moulding the future

Integrating knowledge to foster further gains, without compromising human wellbeing or risking ‘past’ biodiversity.

Cross-cutting themes

Invasions

Societal responses to the 'otherness' of species that are perceived to be foreign.

Hybrids

Generation of, attitudes towards and uses of hybrids in different cultures and times.

Inequalities

Perceived and actual benefits and harms caused to, and obtained from, ecosystems.

Rewilding

Exploring the social and biodiversity drivers and consequences of 'rewilding' and habitat 'restoration' strategies

We live in an age where human influence on our planet is profound and far reaching. This Centre will bring together world-leading researchers to improve our understanding of the relationship between humanity and the world's biodiversity. We'll explore how we can live sustainably in a time of great change.

Professor Chris Thomas, Director of the Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity

Latest news

Congratulations to Dr Inês Martins on her new publication in Science!

Everyone at LCAB would like to offer their congratulations to Dr Inês Martins, who has recently had a paper published in Science!

Posted on 25 September 2023

A walk on the (re)wild side

Postdoctoral researcher, Hanna Pettersson, looks back on her first year with the Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity and discusses the contemporary topic of Rewilding.

Posted on 22 September 2023

To deliver successful conservation, let’s consider why past efforts haven’t worked.

Postdoctoral Research Associate Jamie Carr describes why he feels greater attention should be given to the non-environmental enabling conditions that can facilitate better conservation outcomes.

Posted on 11 September 2023

Conversations on Conservation for the 21st Century: Rewilding and Beyond.

Postdoctoral research associate Dr Tabitha Kabora reports on the International Congress for Conservation Biology, held in Kigali, Rwanda 23-27 July 2023 by the Society for Conservation Biology.

Posted on 22 August 2023

People

Our team draws together researchers from many different disciplines at four universities across the world.

Our expertise is wide-ranging and continuously evolves as new team members join us. We are currently recruiting roles that will bring this exciting Centre to life.

Meet our team

See our current vacancies