Research programs – overview

The mission of the Institute for Applied Ecology is putting ecology to work in natural resource management. We achieve this in part by undertaking high quality research to improve our understanding of ecology and so improve the basis for decision-making in natural resource management and sustainable development. Our research contributes to the understanding and improved management of plant and animal species, communities, and ecosystems, with particular reference to the effects of human activity.

It is our aim to maintain excellence in this research and to maintain and build our national and international recognition for it. Key strategies for achieving these objectives are:

  • Encourage researchers to address questions of substance and significance, and to openly discuss ideas and approaches to future research.
  • Encourage researchers to seek substantive project funds from competitive schemes, involving rigorous evaluation of proposals.
  • Promote strong collaborative linkages with other organisations with complementary capacity, and strongly encourage short-term staff exchange.
  • Encourage researchers to present at international conferences and to present seminars at institutions other than our own.
  • Encourage researchers to publish findings in peer-reviewed journals of the highest international standing, appropriate to their work.