Ecosystem Biology & Sustainability
Members of this research group are involved in a wide range of projects in ecosystem biology and sustainability. Research includes broad areas of Ecology (Marine, Freshwater and Terrestrial); Behavioural Ecology; Ecophysiology, Animal Behaviour; Molecular Ecology; Conservation (including Conservation Genetics); Aquaculture; Systematics (both Molecular and Morphological); and Environmental Economics.
This diverse range of interests is linked by common approaches including the integration of theoretical, laboratory, field and economic investigations. Research facilities include the QUB Marine Laboratory at Portaferry, which hosts the Modiolus Restoration Research Group (MRRG). The Gibson Institute for Land Food and Environment is also housed on the MBC site.
Research staff
Behavioural ecology, invasion biology, aquatic ecology.
Biodiversity and conservation, food webs, ecosystems.
Mathematical modelling of biological systems.
Marine vertebrates, biotelemetry, gelatinous zooplankton.
The application of valuation economics and economic experiments to food choices, physical activity and issues of individual time and risk preferences and health behaviours.
Animal learning and cognition with particular interests in aggression and dominance, animal contests and decision making, the interaction between associative learning and timing processes.
Behavioural ecology, the interface of animal communication and evolutionary biology.
Effects of agricultural practices and urbanization on water quality in freshwater and coastal ecosystems.
Economics of environment and health.
Selection theory, ecological and genetic basis of adaptive evolution and speciation, macroecology, climate change biology, conservation.
Applied population genetics: biodiversity management and conservation, focus on fisheries and aquaculture.
Lagomorph behaviour, ecology and conservation.
Reproductive, behavioural and ecological physiology.
Evolution and phylogenetics of molluscs.