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Faculty of Science

Satellite view of jagged coastline

Ecology, evolution and conservation research

We look at the world from an evolutionary perspective

Our strength is experimental research that combines the controlled precision of the lab with far-reaching explorations of organisms in their natural habitats in both water and land.

We deepen fundamental knowledge and create theories to understand ecology and evolution in the world around us. We use this understanding to help solve conservation problems of today and the future — biodiversity, invasive species, and climate change resilience.

We work in six research areas across a massive range of scales from molecules to ecosystems.

Our research staff are listed below according to areas of expertise:

Koala

DNA helix

Researchers on a beach

Marine biology

Ana Bugnot
Maria Byrne
Will Figueira
Ziggy Marzinelli
Pauline Ross
Murray Thomson
Camilla Whittington

Concept of genomics - microscope and cells

Genetics and genomics

Close up of amphibian in mangroves

Selected lab groups

Animal Behaviour Lab

We focus on questions about the mechanisms and the functions of animal behaviour, integrating our extensive experimental work with theoretical approaches.

Three-toed skink (Saiphos equalis) emerging from an egg. (© Nadav Pezaro)

Applied and Evolutionary Zoology

Our projects focus on a range of taxa, including wildlife (lizards, marsupials, birds, fish) and domestic species, spanning fundamental zoology research as well as tackling applied questions in conservation and agriculture.

Biogeochemistry field testing site

Biogeochemistry laboratory

We investigate carbon, nutrient, and water dynamics in grasslands, forests, and agricultural systems, and how these dynamics are affected by climate and land use change.

Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution (BEE) Lab

In our lab you will find an exciting, supportive, research environment supported by excellent technical personnel (beekeepers and molecular biologists) and state-of-the-art technology.

Forest background with long-nosed bandicoot, red fox and black rat inset.

Behavioural Ecology and Conservation research group

Our research group aims to develop ecologically-based solutions to conservation problems.

Desert Ecology Research Group

Our primary focus is to elucidate, by observation and field experiment, the factors that regulate diversity in the small vertebrates of arid Australia

Evolutionary and Ecological Physiology Lab

We are particularly interested in the interaction between phenotypic plasticity and adaptation, and the relationship between underlying physiological and molecular mechanism and their ecological and behavioural manifestation.

Extreme closeup of large carnivore's eyes (Copyright: Thomas Newsome)

Global Ecology Lab

Established in 2018, the Global Ecology Lab seeks to understand how humans and wildlife shape and drive ecosystem processes.

Extreme close up of ant army

Integrative Ecology Lab

We bridge the divides between different approaches to doing ecology – integrating behaviour and physiology with patterns and processes at community and landscape scales.

Molecular Ecology, Evolution, and Phylogenetics lab

We are interested in various aspects of molecular ecology and evolutionary biology, including phylogenetic methods, molecular clocks, molecular systematics, phylogeography, and environmental DNA.

Nutritional Ecology and Physiology Lab

The Nutritional Ecology and Physiology Lab, led by Steve Simpson, studies the neural, physiological, ecological and evolutionary bases of animal behaviour.

Photosynthesis lab

We focus on finding the far red light limit to bioconversion by studying genetic, chemical and structural adaptations that allow organisms to function under filtered light environments.

Plant Soil Interactions Lab

Interested in the internal activities of plants and soil, that is those chemical and physical processes associated with life

Wildlife Genomics Group

The Australasian Wildlife Genomics Group studies the molecular genetics and evolution of gene families and genomes of our native wildlife.

Viral evolution

We perform in-depth studies of microbial emergence and evolution to determine the genetic and ecological factors that allow infectious agents (and other pathogens) to emerge and spread in populations.

Search our research staff

In ecology evolution and environment

Search for PhD projects