The University of Cambridge Conservation Research Institute (CRI) is an inclusive interdisciplinary community of world-leading researchers with an interest in conservation.

Our goals include conducting research and activities that contribute to the protection and flourishing of global biodiversity, a stable and liveable climate, functioning and resilient ecosystems, and improved human well-being for all, as well as understanding the relationship between biodiversity conservation and society.

Our three main research themes are:

1. Protecting biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and resilience;

2. Understanding what just conservation transitions to enhanced conservation outcomes could look like; and

3. Enabling a just transition through behaviour and policy change.

Our Institute includes members from 8+ departments at UCAM. Since 2019, CRI staff have published 500 papers in leading journals and has secured over £20 Million in grants and donations, nearly all of which involve collaboration across disciplines. We also mentor dozens of early career researchers and contributed to 8+ undergraduate triposes and 5+ MPhil/MRes curricula across the University.

CRI is also the bridge between the UCAM and the Cambridge Conservation Initiative (CCI), a collaboration between UCAM and ten leading conservation organisations. CRI serves as the academic “engine room” of CCI and connects to multiple sustainability initiatives at UCAM. Our shared space in the David Attenborough Building contributes to our diverse set of collaborations, collegiality, and common purpose.