Centre for Biodiversity Theory and Modeling
The Centre for Biodiversity Theory and Modeling is dedicated to understanding the complexity of life on Earth. Our researchers develop innovative models and theories that explain biodiversity patterns, predict changes under global pressures, and support effective conservation strategies. By combining ecological data, mathematics, and computer simulations, we transform knowledge into action for protecting species and ecosystems worldwide.
Research and Theory:
Developing frameworks to understand biodiversity at multiple scales.
Tools and Data:
Providing open-access datasets, modeling software, and reproducible workflows.
Training and Collaboration:
Building capacity through workshops, fellowships, and partnerships with global institutions.
Research
Our research connects ecological observations with mathematical and computational frameworks. By integrating models with real-world data, we uncover the processes that shape biodiversity, predict how ecosystems respond to environmental change, and inform strategies for conservation.
Research Areas:
Biodiversity Theory
We study the fundamental principles that explain how species coexist, adapt, and diversify. Our work explores neutral and niche theories, macroecological patterns, and the scaling of biodiversity across ecosystems.
Species Interaction Networks
We investigate how species interact within food webs, pollination systems, and host-pathogen dynamics. Network modeling helps us understand stability, resilience, and the cascading effects of species extinctions.
Spatial and Distribution Models
Using statistical and mechanistic models, we predict how species are distributed across landscapes and how these distributions shift due to habitat loss or climate change. This research identifies biodiversity hotspots and climate refuges.
Ecosystem Resilience and Climate Change
We assess the resilience of ecosystems to stressors such as warming, drought, and deforestation. Our models identify tipping points and early-warning signals of ecosystem collapse.
Methods and Computational Tools
The Centre develops open-source software, R and Python libraries, and reproducible workflows to support biodiversity modeling worldwide.
About Us
Our Mission:
The Centre’s mission is to advance theoretical and quantitative knowledge of biodiversity and to translate this science into practical solutions for conservation. We bridge the gap between ecological theory and field applications, ensuring that biodiversity research informs real-world decision-making.
Our Vision:
We envision a world where biodiversity science guides global policy, conservation action, and sustainable development, ensuring that future generations inherit ecosystems rich in species and resilient to change.
Our Story:
the Centre emerged from collaborations between ecologists and mathematical modelers who shared a passion for understanding biodiversity through numbers and patterns. Since then, we have grown into an international hub, leading projects on species interactions, ecosystem resilience, and climate-driven biodiversity shifts.
Our Values:
Open Science: We promote transparency and reproducibility in all our work.
Collaboration: We unite ecologists, mathematicians, and computer scientists.
Equity and Inclusion: We are committed to diversity in research teams and opportunities.
Innovation: We combine theory, data, and technology to push biodiversity science forward.
Our Partners:
We work with universities, NGOs, and policy organizations across the globe. Our collaborations ensure that cutting-edge models are applied to real conservation challenges.
Projects
Overview:
Our projects connect theory to action. By collaborating with field scientists, policymakers, and conservation groups, we ensure that biodiversity modeling addresses urgent environmental challenges.
Examples:
Network Resilience in Fragmented Landscapes (2024–2027): Studying how habitat fragmentation influences pollination networks, with direct applications for agricultural biodiversity.
Climate-Driven Range Shifts (2023–2026): Developing mechanistic species-distribution models to predict climate-induced range movements of vulnerable species.
Urban Biodiversity Futures (2025–2028): Modeling biodiversity in cities to design greener, more sustainable urban environments.
