Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity

A Centre conducting world-leading interdisciplinary research into the complexities of biodiversity change in the Anthropocene, funded by the Leverhulme Trust

Context

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.

Aims and objectives

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. We aim to understand the causes and consequences of biodiversity gains and losses, and inform and influence how society responds.

Project activities and publications

To view the research outputs of this project visit the LCAB News webpage

Key York contacts

Prof Lindsey Gillson (Centre Director)
Prof Kate Pickett (Associate Director)
Dr Mark Jenner (Associate Director)

Research Strategy Group

Maria Azeredo de Dornelas (University of St Andrews)
Robert Costanza (Australian National University)
Kanchon Dasmahapatra (Department of Biology)
Alison Dyke (Stockholm Environment Institute- York)
Jean Grugel (Department of Politics and International Relations)
Mark Jenner (Department of History)
Ida Kubiszewski (Australian National University)
Nicky Milner (Department of Archaeology)
Kate Pickett (Department of Health Sciences)
Helen Smith (Department of English and Related Literature)
Susan Stepney (Department of Computer Science)
Chris Thomas (Department of Biology)
Chris West (Stockholm Environment Institute- York)
Mark Vellend (Université de Sherbrooke)

Principal funder

Leverhulme Trust

External partners

The Centre is a collaboration between twelve departments across the University of York and with researchers at Université de Sherbrooke, Australian National University and the University of St Andrews.