Established in 2007, the Applied Biodiversity Science (ABS) program is composed of a diverse community of scholars across different departments, disciplines, and research backgrounds with a shared interest in biodiversity conservation. We meet regularly to discuss how to integrate the natural and social sciences to achieve integration between biodiversity research and on-the-ground conservation practices.
Three Main Pillars Support the ABS Program
The program founders established ABS as an NSF-IGERT (original proposal here) and today we continue with weekly journal clubs, regular events (socials, seminars, alumni panels, etc.), publication of the Applied Biodiversity Science Perspectives Series, and research collaborations. ABS also offers a certificate program for participating students!
Check out the rest of the website to learn more about ABS-affiliated scientists, events, the Perspectives journal, and how to join the program!
Applied Biodiversity Science has a Global Impact!
Research Teams Focus on Two Cross-cutting Themes
A. Ecological Functions and Biodiversity
Research in Ecological Functions and Biodiversity is aimed at the following types of questions:
- What local and historical processes determine presence and distribution of biodiversity?
- How are ecological functions altered by what people do?
- How does society decide which biodiversity to protect? Once priorities are set, how are ecological functions maintained and secured?
B. Communities and Governance
Research in Communities and Governance addresses the following types of questions:
- How do political, economic, and historical relations of power and inequality at different scales explain uses and values of biodiversity?
- How do institutional and organizational arrangements affect access, use, and protection of biodiversity?
- Under what conditions can adding economic value to biodiversity create incentives for conservation (e.g., ecotourism or sustainable use of wildlife and fisheries)?
Participating Departments:
Agricultural Economics | Anthropology | Biology | Ecology and Conservation Biology | Entomology | Geography | Philosophy
Political Science | Rangeland, Wildlife & Fisheries Management | Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences | Veterinary Pathobiology
Updated January 2024
(Redesigned November 2024)
