ERI:

UCR ERI CCB

Center for Conservation Biology at UCR
Director: Michael F. Allen

Concept:
The biological systems of our planet are under stress from rapid growth of human populations and human per-capita resource consumption. Society has recognized the importance of these systems and has promoted research in the field of conservation biology, the scientific study of perpetuation and restoration of biological systems. The University of California has also delineated the need to support and enhance research and education activities that focus on conservation biology. UCR has exceptional strengths in the varied sciences that contribute to this rapidly growing area of research. This expertise has been organized into the Center for Conservation Biology at UCR to focus and enhance UCR's strengths in conservation biology. Currently, 99 faculty members plus associated graduate students, staff, and postdoctoral fellows are affiliates in the Center for Conservation Biology.

Goals:
The mission for the Center of Conservation Biology is to assist in the conservation and restoration of species and ecosystems for the benefit of society by facilitating the collection and dissemination of objective scientific information. The Center identifies research priorities in conservation biology and promotes collaborative research programs. The Center will not create policy, but will evaluate, based on objective scientific information, the conservation implications of different policy alternatives. Our outreach focus is on the diverse species and habitats that form the natural heritage of southern California, our research and education scope extends globally.

Research Agenda:
To accomplish its mission, the Center obtains the appropriate resources to perform the following:

Serve as a focal point within the UCR campus for research and service efforts in conservation biology and related scientific fields in support of the following goals:
1.) To better utilize our research strength to facilitate the recognition and resolution of important research questions to advance the science of conservation biology;
2.) To provide better intramural communication and cooperation as a clearinghouse for information;
3.) To provide increased extramural visibility thereby creating linkages to the larger conservation biology community of California, and to industries and government agencies most affected by conservation policies;
4.) To provide an umbrella organization for conservation efforts in diverse research units scattered across the campus.
Serve as an "honest broker" of objective scientific information.

Independently and in collaboration with outside agencies, develop requests for research projects to address identified needs in conservation biology.

Initiate contacts and opportunities for outside collaborations between CCB faculty and students and other national and international research and education units.
These objectives capitalize on the strengths of existing units on campus and allow the Center to consolidate conservation biology expertise that is dispersed among different departments and groups. The Center also serves as a resource for both undergraduate and graduate education, especially for identifying opportunities and providing facilities for interdisciplinary research.

CCB Website