Grant: Canada Research Chairs

No two places on Earth have the same combination of species or environmental conditions. All living organisms, along with their environments, present remarkable complex patterns of variation across geographical space. Unravelling the multiple causes underlying complex spatial patterns in biodiversity is one of the most popular, vibrant, and challenging areas of research in ecology, evolution, and environmental sciences. This knowledge has become critical to building decision plans and policies to guide and mitigate accelerated biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. Complexities in spatial patterns of biodiversity largely stem from the interplay between the processes that influence species distributions and their interactions at different spatial and temporal scales. Significant theoretical and empirical advancements have deepened our understanding of how biodiversity is structured in space and time. However, comprehensive analyses underscore the pressing need to refine current quantitative models to increase our understanding and generate more accurate predictions of the complex biodiversity patterns observed in nature. Just as astronomers cannot perform planetary experiments, ecologists cannot easily manipulate the processes underlying biodiversity at multiple scales; instead, we need to use advanced quantitative tools to understand the importance and consequences of the many factors and processes underlying biodiversity. The primary goal of the CRC in Spatial Ecology and Biodiversity is to accelerate progress in understanding the processes that influence the geography of biodiversity. The CRC focuses on two key research areas: (1) Establish well-structured foundation for biodiversity science that integrates conceptual, quantitative, theoretical, and predictive elements. This foundation will address emerging questions underlying the mechanisms governing spatial patterns in biodiversity; and (2) Develop and validate cutting-edge quantitative tools and predictive models designed to enhance the analysis of biodiversity patterns in space and time. These tools will empower researchers from diverse fields with robust quantitative frameworks, including the distribution of open-access software to ensure broad accessibility. Through this research program, the CRC will support and contribute to critical advancements in biodiversity science, aiding in the understanding, prediction, management, and conservation of biodiversity.