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Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity
World-leading interdisciplinary research into the complexities of biodiversity change in the Anthropocene, funded by the Leverhulme Trust
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 era – 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
Latest news
Artificial intelligence is sweeping across many industries, including farming. In an ideal world, AI tools could make scientific knowledge more accessible, help farmers interpret complex information and support transitions towards more sustainable practices.
Nikki Paterson recently attended POLLEN 2026, the Political Ecology Network conference, in Barcelona. Here she shares her experience of the event.
The theme of this year’s York Festival of Ideas was “Place and Space”. Members of LCAB and our networks were involved with events focused on connecting to our places through interactions with nature.
A shift toward more precise, measurable conservation goals could hold the key to protecting vulnerable species, according to the findings of a new study looking at African elephants.
People
Our Centre represents an interdisciplinary collaboration between multiple departments at the University of York, the University of Sherbrooke, University College London and the University of St Andrews.
Our expertise is wide-ranging and our researchers consider the changing relationship between humanity and the natural world, and how we might maintain and develop a sustainable Earth.
Professor Lindsey Gillson - Director of the Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity
Cross-cutting themes
Change is a defining feature of the Anthropocene, requiring agile and creative adaptations. LCAB research helps to leverage human ingenuity to create, conserve, restore and adapt social-ecological systems that safeguard biodiversity, while meeting the needs of people in ways that are fair and just.
Professor Lindsey Gillson, Director of the Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity
