Sophus zu Ermgassen features in new Natural History Museum exhibition.

Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery researcher, Sophus zu Ermgassen  appears in a wonderful new, free and permanent exhibition in London’s Museum of Natural History.

You never need an excuse to visit this magnificent museum, and this exhibit should definitely be on your list of things to see when you next visit.

Packed with contemporary science from our world-leading researchers, the new gallery explores practical, nature-based solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing the planet today.

It delves into topics such as the food we eat, the energy we consume, the stuff we use, and the impact of all of this on our health. It brings together a special selection of more than 200 specimens, from a Sumatran rhino to an ancient cow skull. Together, they tell the story of our impact on the natural world and explore the opportunities we have to save it.

Hear from scientists as well as leading environmentalists and young changemakers from around the world. Plus, discover all the ways we, both as individuals and communities, can make a difference. You’ll also get to have your say with our interactive conversation starter.

There’s a whole host of amazing things to discover, whether it’s what whale ear wax tells us about ocean pollution, how fungi-based fertilisers support food production or how European bison are helping us to store more carbon. Plus, if you’ve ever wondered about the carbon footprint of your pet or what local lichen can tell you about air pollution in your area, we’ve got the answers to that too!

Here’s a taster of what’s in store for you!

 

Sandra Díaz awarded 2025 The Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement

We are thrilled that our colleague,  Sandra Díaz has been awarded the 2025 Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement for her extraordinary work linking biodiversity to humankind.

The award recognises her “commitment to understanding and addressing biodiversity loss and its impact on human societies.”

Sandra and her fellow awardee, Eduardo Brondízio, are the first individual recipients from South America to receive the Tyler Prize.

Sandra Díaz is one of the world’s leading ecologists, celebrated for her interdisciplinary work, her research on vascular plant functional traits, their responses to the environment and their impact on ecosystems and human well-being. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping the global conversation about the biodiversity crisis and the urgent need for transformative change in our relationship with the natural world.

Find out more about Sandra’s work here 

Watch a short clip about Sandra’s award here

Watch Sandra’s lecture which she gave to us here: The new Global Biodiversity Framework the good, the bad and the narratives. Sandra Diaz

 

We’re hiring: Postdoctoral Researcher in Reimagining Nature Finance

Job Details: Postdoctoral Researcher in Reimagining Nature Finance

We have fantastic opportunity for a Researcher to be a part of the Sir Evelyn de Rothchild Fellowship, embedded within the Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery at the University of Oxford, as a PDRA in Reimagining Nature Finance. The post holder will lead interdisciplinary research focused on reimagining nature finance to support people and nature, with an emphasis on transitioning from extractive systems to regenerative, nature-positive economies. The role involves exploring innovative finance mechanisms, non-market approaches, and cultural, financial, and power dynamics that hinder transformation, contributing to high-impact academic outputs and practical solutions.

Working closely with the Fellow and other partners from the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance as well as across the Centre, the post holder will synthesise insights from research and dialogue processes, contributing to systemic change in nature finance. The post holder will be part of a dynamic, collaborative research environment, engaging with global stakeholders, including financial institutions, Indigenous leaders, and local communities.

Key research areas include:

•   Investigate innovative financing models for circular bioeconomy businesses and value chains, such as food, fashion, and health.
•   Explore non-market mechanisms for nature recovery, including payments for stewardship and cooperative models prioritising ecosystem health and community well-being.
•   Analyse cultural, financial, and power barriers to transformative finance, incorporating insights from diverse communities and stakeholders.
•   Collaborate on dialogue platforms and multidisciplinary gatherings to share research insights and co-create actionable frameworks for nature-positive systems.

The role will pioneer new dialogue processes, engaging diverse stakeholders—from policymakers to local communities—to reimagine relationships between people, nature, and finance. Drawing on the principles of circular bioeconomy, the researcher will investigate how to scale Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to achieve both biodiversity and climate goals while ensuring inclusive economic development.

Reporting to Dr. Mark Hirons (Lead Line management; Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery, School of Geography and the Environment), Day-to-Day Supervision Dr. Sophus Zu Ermgassen Post-Doctoral Researcher

To be considered a successful candidate;

•   A doctorate in a relevant field such as environmental economics, finance, ecology, or a sustainability-focused social science discipline.
•   Strong knowledge of current nature finance mechanisms, as well as a capacity for creative and radical thinking.
•   Excellent communication skills, with a track record of impactful publications and policy engagement.
•   Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage and prioritise varied and diverse work streams.
•   A proactive and adaptive attitude, able to identify new opportunities for impact and funding while balancing them against existing priorities and resources.
•   Commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion.
•   Experience in interdisciplinary research and stakeholder engagement, particularly with local communities or Indigenous groups
•   An understanding of Nature-based Solutions and circular bioeconomy principles.
•   Experience in independently managing a discrete area of a research project within the context of a broader research program.

Applications for this vacancy should be made online, and you will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement as part of your application, explaining how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for this post.

For further guidance and support, please visit  https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/how-to-apply

Enquiries may be directed to** recruit@ouce.ox.ac.uk . The closing date for applications is midday on 30 April 2025.**

We offer very generous benefits, some of which are:
•    Generous holiday allowance of 38 days, including bank holidays
•    Hybrid working
•    Membership of the Oxford staff pension scheme
•    Discounted bus travel
•    Cycle loan scheme
•    Plus, many other University benefits

The School of Geography and the Environment is committed to fostering a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion. Applications are particularly encouraged from women, Black, and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts at Oxford. The school holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award in recognition of its commitment to gender equality.

From Greening to Wellbeing

Researcher Wendee Zhang presented her research at a recent Healthy Ecosystems Restoration in Oxfordshire (HERO) meeting this week, she discusses spatial and social-economic disparities in school outdoor greenness and the impact on mental wellbeing and school attendance in children and adolescents, you can watch it here now.

The slides can be viewed here

More about Wendee’s research here

Exploring Kenya’s Savannas: Insights from Megha Ojha’s Fieldwork

Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery postdoctoral researcher, Megha Ojha, recently embarked on an inspiring journey to Kenya. Here she visited the Natural State Research Centre, a non-profit organization actively working in the Kenyan savannas, a region of unparalleled ecological significance.

Megha is a postdoctoral researcher in the Ecosystems Lab in the Environmental Change Institute, where she is working on the development of a biodiversity intactness index for tropical savannas. Her research focuses on understanding the ecological health of savannas, particularly in relation to herbivory intensity and various management interventions.

The primary goal of Megha’s field trip was to immerse herself in the ongoing collaborative efforts between Natural State and Oxford. Her visit focused on gaining deeper insights into their long-term research initiatives and practical conservation work. Megha explored several long-term monitoring plots spread across diverse conservancies, offering her a glimpse into the intricate dynamics of savanna ecosystems and nature recovery efforts in these areas.

During her time in Kenya, Megha had the opportunity to observe the dedicated field team in action. She watched as they skillfully deployed camera traps and AudioMoths—innovative tools for monitoring wildlife and acoustic landscapes. Additionally, she joined ornithologists conducting bird point count surveys, an essential method for assessing avian biodiversity in the region.

A young woman on the left stands next to an armed game ranger with a rifle in his hands. behind them is flat savannah.
Megha (left) accompanied by an armed game ranger to ensure her protection during fieldwork. These rangers are uniquely trained to safeguard animals from poaching and humans from the dangers of poachers and wild animals

Looking ahead, Megha is preparing for an exciting return to Kenya this June. The upcoming trip will be part of a month-long functional trait campaign, involving a large, multidisciplinary team from Oxford, Kenyan conservancies, and Natural State. The project’s aim is to quantify plant functional traits across different management sites, providing invaluable data to better understand and protect these ecosystems.

Megha’s work exemplifies the collaborative spirit and dedication necessary to address global ecological challenges. Her experiences underscore the value of field-based research in driving impactful conservation strategies.

Can we create a food system that benefits people and the planet?

With 70% of UK land dedicated to farming, it’s vital that as much as possible delivers for both food and nature, especially in a country where farmland birds have declined 58% since 1970 and the farming sector is the leading cause of freshwater pollution.

As a way to make food production work with nature, the concept of regenerative agriculture, which emphasises the need to focus on soil restoration, has been attracting increasing attention from farmers, governments and corporates, and as a concept has become increasingly politically and economically loaded.

Yesterday, the British Ecological Society launched a report which asks if regenerative agriculture can bring about positive benefits for both farmers and nature.

‘Regenerative Agriculture in the UK. An ecological perspective‘, brought together 40 academics, practitioners and farmers from across the UK to explore the extent to which regenerative agriculture principles deliver for nature, achieving positive outcomes like improving soil health, increasing biodiversity and minimising environmental damage. Jed Soleiman, Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery researcher is an author of the report:

“It’s fantastic to see ecologists, farmers, policymakers and others come together to think about a future countryside that is lively and flourishing for both people and nature. What I find particularly exciting is how we highlight how regenerative agriculture is not an exclusive club for those already established in the space, but a journey that can be started at any point, requiring only the ambition to keep doing better over time.”

 

The report finds that there is strong evidence that soil health and biodiversity can improve under regenerative agricultural practices, but a whole systems approach is needed for the best results. Individual principals of regenerative agriculture used in isolation are rarely sufficient. While a whole systems approach achieves the biggest impacts, the report authors warn that this shouldn’t discourage farmers from taking up just a few approaches.

Read the full report here

Read a summary here

VACANCY: Events and Special Projects Coordinator

We’re hiring an Events and Special Projects Coordinator

We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly organised Events and Special Projects Coordinator to support the Centre’s busy events programme, play a key role in major projects, and help disseminate our research to key audiences. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys creative problem-solving, and wants to be part of a team that is making a real impact.

Key Responsibilities

  • Events Coordination: Assist with the planning, promotion, and on-site support of our events programme, ensuring seamless execution.
  • Major Finance Event: Take a leading role in coordinating a high-profile finance event, liaising with stakeholders, managing logistics, and ensuring key deliverables are met.
  • Nature@Oxford Initiative: Support coordination of actions and outputs, follow up with stakeholders, and contribute to the development of an action plan and strategic funding proposal.
  • Festival Planning: Assist in the internal planning and coordination of a major nature festival in 2026, helping to shape an ambitious and impactful event.
  • Knowledge Exchange & Research Dissemination: Support activities that share our research with wider audiences, ensuring accessibility and engagement.

We are looking for someone who:

  • Has experience in events coordination, ideally in a university or research setting.
  • Possesses excellent communication and writing skills, with the ability to engage a range of stakeholders.
  • Is a proactive problem-solver, adaptable and creative in overcoming challenges.
  • Has strong organisational and project coordination skills, able to juggle multiple priorities effectively.
  • Works well both independently and as part of a team, with a positive and collaborative approach.
  • Knowledge of university processes and venues is a bonus but not essential.

What We Offer

  • A supportive and friendly team that values your input and ideas.
  • The opportunity to work on exciting, high-impact projects that contribute to nature recovery.
  • Flexible working arrangements to suit your schedule, with some core in-office time.
  • A role where your problem-solving skills and creativity will be valued and encouraged.

If you’re passionate about nature recovery, skilled in event coordination, and excited about making a difference, we’d love to hear from you!

More information and how to apply here

Improving data pipelines for monitoring nature recovery in Africa

Nature recovery is advancing globally and Natural State is ensuring that Africa is not left in the dust. Over the past two months, the University of Oxford has hosted Natural State’s Dr Lucy Smyth, to work with Dr Nikki Stevens, Oxford’s Trapnell Fellow in African Environments, to develop a novel way of recording and monitoring carbon and biodiversity data collected at Natural State’s nature recovery sites in Africa.

Lucy is a conservation scientist for Natural State, an organisation that is actively building the foundation for nature-based solutions in the Global South. The Natural State Research Centre lies at the base of Mt. Kenya in the Laikipia County and is surrounded by open grassland, shrubland, dense forest, and wetlands where diverse, natural populations of plants and animals thrive in this unique landscape. There are a range of land management methods being utilised in this landscape, including pastoral community conservancies, smallholder agriculture, community forest reserves, and private protected areas. Multiple organisations are currently testing innovative conservation and restoration initiatives in the region, providing an opportunity to monitor nature-based solutions in Africa. ​The Natural State Research Centre has the most advanced carbon lab in Northern Kenya which allows its team to advance conservation and restoration approaches in the region.

Natural State Research Centre at the base of Mt Kenya in the Laikipia County. Photo credit: Natural State

This is where Lucy and Nikki first met. Lucy had recently joined Natural State as a conservation scientist, to help develop robust and scalable ways of monitoring change in biodiversity, so that restoration projects with positive outcomes can be recognised. Nikki was visiting the research centre to advise on the setup of Natural State’s long-term carbon and biodiversity monitoring plots. Given Nikki’s vast experience as a savanna ecologist and her role as a Trapnell Fellow in African Environments at Oxford, she provided a unique link between Natural State’s work on monitoring change in savanna systems and the Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery’s work globally. Through this connection Natural State has become a case study for us, and to help increase collaboration between the two groups Lucy worked from Oxford for two months.

While visiting the University of Oxford, Lucy and Nikki have been developing data streams to allow field data on carbon and biodiversity to flow seamlessly through a series of checks and balances and be displayed on Natural State’s Impact Monitoring dashboard. These data pipelines are unique because they ensure data provenance, allowing changes in carbon or biodiversity to be used to inform financial mechanisms for nature. In addition to developing these data pipelines, Lucy and Nikki have been brainstorming exciting ideas about how biodiversity can be monitored and valued, particularly in the context of savanna systems where too often carbon is optimised to the detriment of biodiversity. While virtual meetings offer great opportunities for international collaboration, the face-to-face time that Lucy and Nikki have had has greatly developed their research and will be instrumental to Natural State’s ongoing biodiversity and carbon monitoring.

 

Are carbon markets a good model for investing in nature recovery?

Finance Theme Lead Alex Teytelboym, recently took part in a webinar analyzing approaches to scaling investment in nature recovery. At a time of urgent need for private finance to pick up the heavy lifting in nature recovery, Alex discussed why existing market designs such as carbon and Biodiversity Net Gain are not sufficient to scale investment in nature, and use an innovative case study to demonstrate how a different, auction based approach, could scale and enable investment. Alex discussed this approaches with Emily Norton, AFN Network+ Policy Champion, and natural capital markets expert.

The views, opinions and positions expressed within this webinar are those of the speakers alone, they do not purport to reflect the wider opinions or views of the Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery, or its researchers.

How do perceptions of risk shape nature finance?

Caitlin Hafferty, Postdoctoral Researcher in the Centre, has recently been awarded an Oxford Policy Engagement Network (OPEN) Fellowship to conduct a project on understanding the impact of risk and uncertainty on high-integrity nature markets in the UK.

The UK is committed to meeting net zero and nature recovery targets through the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), aiming to close the “nature-finance” gap by unlocking private investment through voluntary carbon and nature markets. This is supported by policy, regulation, and guidance outlined in the Nature Markets Framework (NMF) and Green Finance Strategy (GFS). Carbon and nature markets must be “high-integrity” to ensure genuine environmental improvement, transparency, and avoidance of greenwashing, while supporting an array of socio-economic, climate, and ecological goals. Research also indicates that high-integrity should also guarantee community benefits and protect social safeguards. However, a key policy challenge is understanding the drivers and barriers to business’ participation in these markets. Recent studies show tensions between investor demands for certainty and the delivery of socio-economic and community benefits, which can introduce new risks for already risk-averse investors. Desire to avoid risk and uncertainty can also bias the types of ecological interventions that are prioritised, where market-driven approaches can drive simplistic narratives around the delivery of biodiversity benefits (e.g., tree planting) alongside carbon and wider societal goals.

This rapid, collaborative, and impact-focused project – titled ‘How does risk and uncertainty shape policy on high-integrity carbon and nature markets in the UK?’ – runs from January-July 2025 and is part of Caitlin’s broader LCNR-funded research on Risky Nature Recovery. The Fellowship is being conducted in partnership with the Green Finance and Capability Team at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), with support from the Green Finance Division in the Department for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra). It is also being supported by existing collaborations within the LCNR ‘Society’ work package and the Agile Initiative alumni network.

This social science and conceptually driven project will generate novel insights to inform the UK government’s strategy for achieving net zero and nature recovery goals through high-integrity carbon and nature markets. Specifically, it will explore how risk and uncertainty influence investor perceptions of and participation in the markets, providing evidence on how policy, guidance, and regulatory interventions can help. This will directly contribute to DESNZ and Defra’s work on the Nature Markets Framework (NMF), which sets out the government’s vision and approach for scaling up private investment in nature recovery and sustainable farming.

The Fellowship will see Caitlin embedded in DESNZ in an advisory role, co-designing the research with policy partners to help decision-makers make use of the evidence to shape policy in the UK, with relevance internationally. Building on their participation in the OPEN Policy Mentoring Scheme, the research problem has been co-identified with DESNZ to contribute to the UK’s upcoming consultation with Defra on high-integrity voluntary carbon and nature markets. This will provide timely insights into the challenges and solutions for developing future standards, while aligning with broader policy on the EIP, NFM, and GFS. The Fellowship aims to foster collaboration between ongoing research and relevant projects at the LCNR and Agile Initiative, drawing on cutting edge analysis conducted between these projects in a mutually enriching way, to ultimately contribute to collective forward-thinking on integrated and socially inclusive approaches for financing and governing nature recovery.

This project is actively open to fostering new collaborations and knowledge sharing with other projects, researchers, policy and industry partners working on related themes across the University of Oxford and elsewhere. For more information, or any questions, please contact Caitlin: Caitlin.hafferty@ouce.ox.ac.uk.