Dr James S Borrell

My research group focuses on using biodiversity to tackle Global Challenges. I am particularly interested in the interactions and trade-offs between agriculture and conservation – both of which are essential to achieve sustainable development goals. 

We work across a spectrum of scales ranging from field trials through to landscape scale modelling, with a strong fieldwork theme throughout. Methodologically we use a range of genomic, remote sensing and statistical tools, augmented by a broad range of interdisciplinary collaborations including archaeology, economics and health and social sciences. We work closely with international partner Universities and NGOs, particularly in Ethiopia, Oman and Madagascar.

Current research themes include:

1. Modelling the distribution of threatened agrobiodiversity. We aim to identify priority areas for agrobiodiversity conservation to complement existing wild biodiversity hotspots. In Ethiopia, we are evaluating the distribution of agrobiodiversity across a land-sparing/land-sharing continuum as well as implementing a novel economic incentive scheme for crop diversity, analogous to Payments for Ecosystem Services. Our longest-running research interest is in the remarkable orphan food security crop enset.
2. Evaluating the effectiveness of protected area for people and nature. In Ethiopia we are supporting the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority to understand the impact of protected areas on both land-use conversion, as well as the food security of surrounding communities. In Madagascar we support a major Biodiverse Landscapes Fund project evaluating the impact of community based conservation across a network of eight protected areas. 
3. The genomic basis of local adaptation. Climate change will necessitate a dramatic re-arrangement of species and genetic diversity. In the UK, we are evaluating genetic consequences of widespread tree planting as part of the Centre for Forest Protection. Internationally, we are interested in the prevalence of local adaptation among indigenous versus introduced crops, in an effort to support smallholder farmers under climate change. 

Our research has been funded by NERC, BBSRC, GCRF, GCBC, Defra and philanthropy. If you are interested in developing a collaboration, PhD proposal or internship, please feel free to contact me.

• PhD, Queen Mary, University of London, 2017
• BSc (Hons), University of Exeter, 2011