We live in the Anthropocene where humans are changing Earth’s natural systems and biodiversity. We are facing a planetary emergency.
Our expertise in taxonomy, systematics and mineralogy drives our research in securing the future of our food, health and natural materials.
Our projects
Designing sustainable food systems
Future food
Mapping the distribution of wild species of food plants and the insects associated with them to help plant breeders prepare crops for the future.
EXCALIBUR: soil biodiversity in horticulture
Understanding soil biodiversity and dynamics.
Understanding disease biology and improving health outcomes for nature and people
Neglected tropical diseases
Relieving the suffering of some of the 1.4 billion people infected with a neglected tropical disease.
Schistosomiasis research group
Understanding and controlling this neglected tropical disease.
Resourcing the green economy
Critical elements research
Working to ensure the sustainable supply of raw materials for future generations.
Mining a sustainable future
Creating a cleaner, greener future at the Royal Society Summer Science exhibition 2021.
Other sustainability projects
Plastic in the Thames
Finding a large volume of unseen submerged plastic flowing into the marine environment.
FAME and fortune
Working to ensure the sustainable supply of raw materials for future generations in a major new European Commission-funded project.
Li4UK: Securing a domestic lithium supply chain for the UK
Demonstrating the feasibility of producing battery-quality lithium compounds from lithium found in UK rocks and geothermal waters.
All Anthropocene and sustainability projects
Scarce Minerals
- Brazilian mangrove forests
- CERCAMS
- COG3 cobalt project
- FAME and fortune
- From arc magmas to ores (FAMOS)
- LiFT (Lithium for Future Technology)
- Li4UK: Securing a domestic lithium supply chain for the UK
- London Centre for Ore Deposits and Exploration (LODE)
- Mafic and ultramafic rocks in southern Mexico
- Polymetallic nodule biodiversity
- Scandium in geological systems
- The Jadar Li-B deposit, Serbia
- The Serra Verde lateritic REE deposit
Image credit: Hand holding soil © Shutterstock/bluedog studio
News and information about the Anthropocene
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Anthropocene
Future proofing with fungi
From helping us grow our food to tackling our plastic waste problem, fungi can help us achieve a more sustainable future.
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Science news
Laser technology could help curb the illegal trade in ivory
Every year thousands of elephants are still killed for their ivory.
24 April 2024 -
News
Rewild the soil: The largest urban rewilding project is going underground
The largest urban rewilding project in the UK is happening on an old golf course.
18 April 2024 -
Science news
Rising water levels threaten the survival of the lesser flamingo
The lesser flamingo is in danger of losing its feeding and breeding grounds.
12 April 2024