
© Amphon Jindawatthana/Shutterstock.com
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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News
Everyone should live within a 15-minute walk of nature
The UK government has released plans to restore the natural world.
31 January 2023 -
News
Increasing light pollution is drowning out the stars
Nights are becoming around 10% lighter each year, which has implications for the health of both humans and wildlife.
19 January 2023 -
Wildlife Photographer of the Year: Taking Ethical Photos
In this article we look at how to take photos ethically, including tips from Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
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News
Critically Endangered Yangtze finless porpoise shows signs of recovery
The Yangtze finless porpoise has faced habitat loss and a reduced range as a result of sand mining, but a suspension of the practice offers hope that they could recover.
16 January 2023