Our research focuses on answering fundamental questions in biology through studying organisms, their interactions with one another and with the environment. We explore biological and ecological phenomena at a range of space and time scales, from studies of individual species to the controls on ecosystem functioning globally and on timescales that encompass behavioural adjustment (acclimation), environmental adaptation, and evolution. We use a range of intra- and interdisciplinary approaches to analyse how the natural world around us functions, changes and adapts, including laboratory experiments, field measurements, remote sensing, advanced approaches to data analysis, and statistical and process-based modelling. We then apply the outcomes of our research to address real world problems such as climate change, habitat loss, or urbanisation. Our research contributes to improving landscape and wildlife conservation, pest and disease control, and biological resource management – providing information for the public, government and industry about how the biosphere works.