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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Science news
Lack of renewable energy metals could hold up net zero goals
Giving communities a greater say over mining could help to speed up the transition to net zero.
22 February 2024 -
News
Whales are being drowned out by the sound of shipping
The cacophony in the oceans is preventing whales from making themselves heard.
21 February 2024 -
News
Coral reefs cover more of Earth’s surface than realised, new estimates reveal
Satellite images have revealed a missing 64,000 square kilometres of coral cover, an area similar to the size of Ireland.
13 February 2024 -
News
Migratory fish, mammals and birds at risk of extinction
The first State of the World’s Migratory Species report found that countries aren’t doing enough to save threatened species.
12 February 2024