Meet the Conservation Crossroads Lab
Welcome to our website! The Conservation Crossroads Lab is based at Deakin University in Australia and works at the intersection of species, people, and productive landscapes. We focus on real-world decisions that shape biodiversity, how farmers, landholders, industries, and consumers can conserve nature while producing food in a changing climate.
What is the Conservation Crossroads Lab?
Conservation Crossroads Lab is an applied and interdisciplinary research group within the School of Life and Environmental Sciences at Deakin University. We work at the intersection of species, people, and productive landscapes, studying the decisions that shape biodiversity, how farmers, landholders, industries, and consumers can conserve nature while producing food in a changing climate.
Our research integrates ecology, spatial modelling, sustainable agriculture, social science, and policy to understand where conservation actions are most needed, effective, and scalable. From mapping species vulnerability to practical on-farm interventions and nature-positive supply chains, we operate across Australia and the Asia–Pacific to support resilient ecosystems, livelihoods, and food systems.
Collaborating closely with industry, government, NGOs, and communities, our lab translates science into actionable pathways that empower people to protect biodiversity.
Our Mission and Approach
The Conservation Crossroads Lab exists to generate evidence and solutions that support biodiversity while enabling productive, sustainable landscapes. We integrate multiple disciplines and perspectives to address urgent conservation challenges, with a focus on applied research that leads to practical outcomes.
Core Values
Our values align with Deakin’s “Respect. Belong. Thrive.” principles and guide how we work, collaborate, and support one another.
Excellence and Impact
We aim to produce rigorous, innovative, and influential research that addresses real-world sustainability challenges.
Integrity and Fairness
We uphold ethical research and respectful professional conduct.
We ensure fair attribution of ideas, labour, and intellectual contributions.
Collaboration and Collegiality
We foster a cooperative environment built on generosity, transparency, and shared learning.
We value teamwork, shared problem-solving, and supporting each other’s success.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We celebrate and respect diverse identities, backgrounds, experiences, and strengths.
We commit to creating an accessible, equitable, and inclusive environment where everyone feels safe to contribute and participate fully.
