Research in the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences

We're involved in extensive, diverse, interdisciplinary research, underpinned by a thriving collaborative network spanning all continents and oceans. Nearly 80% of our research outputs have been deemed ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the 2021 UK Research Excellence Framework.

The School includes the 13th strongest environmental science unit in the country for Research Power, and is structured into four Research Groups carrying out cutting-edge research in ecology, evolution, genetics, neurobiology, entomology, geography, anthropology, palaeontology, biodiversity conservation and resource management.

Current PhD positions available

Engagement and internationalisation

Our focus on major world issues, such as ecosystem and human health, conservation and sustainability, climate change, in addition to key topics in evolution and human/animal behaviour, has led to the development of strong partnerships with external organisations globally. We are actively engaged with the main non-academic audiences for our research, ranging from the general public (UK and international) to national government (DEFRA, Environment Agency, Marine Scotland, Natural Resources Wales, etc.) and international non-governmental organisations, such as United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Health Organisation (WHO), European Space Agency (ESA), as well as the governments of China, Uganda, Indonesia and the USA.

We have established close ties with:

• Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Program
• Orangutan Information Centre
• International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES)
• Zoological Society of London
• WWF
• UNEP/GRASP

And in the UK:

• Chester Zoo/North of England Zoological Society
• The Poulton Project
• Natural England
• The Centre for Fisheries & Aquatic Science (CEFAS)
• The Marine Management Organisation (MMO)
• The Environment Agency
• Natural Resources Wales
• Mersey Forest
• Wildlife Trust
• Local authorities