Biodiversity Conservation
Addressing the most pressing environmental challenges
We are searching for answers to better understand the impact of environmental change of the world's precious biodiversity.
The world has seen an average 68% drop in animal populations since 1970, mostly caused by habitat destruction and climate change. We are studying the intricate relationships between animals, plants and their environments, in order to find practical solutions.
Our research centres
At the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research, we are responsible for one of the world’s largest outdoor experiments, where trees are exposed to carbon dioxide at levels expected to be the norm by 2050. We’re examining the effects of this increase and linking up with similar experiments in Australia and the Amazon.
Through the Centre for Environmental Research and Justice, our experts are investigating ways to use model organisms like daphnia, or water fleas, and powerful computational approaches to understand how harmful different chemicals are in the environment and to human health.
Our research spans many areas, from improving global forest policy to tracking disappearance of endemic freshwater species in mountain rivers to rehabilitation of endangered apes, unravelling legislation required for forever chemicals in the environment to exploring the importance of microorganisms for ecosystem health. We are committed to protecting and enhancing biodiversity in all its forms.
Visit our Open Day - 19 March 2025
Meet academics and students on campus and find out what life is like at Birmingham.
Find a PhD
We offer a variety of funded PhD projects from many research areas. Find out how.