Meet our Agents for Change
Special agents harnessing data to solve environmental challenges
The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) is a world-leading independent research institute, carrying out excellent environmental science with impact. Our scientists deliver the data and insights that academics, governments and businesses need to solve urgent environmental challenge.
We're on a mission to create a world where nature and people thrive together.
Meet some of our 600+ Agents for Change out in the field, in the office, or in the lab, as they tell you more about their research, their insights, and the solutions that are shaping a healthier, more resilient world.
Our Agents for Change
Agent: Ms Maria Jarquin
Mission: Advancing science diplomacy through equitable partnerships
Agent: Dr Richard Cross
Mission: Working against microplastics
Richard explores how everyday plastics break down into the tiny particles that we call microplastics, and how we can improve our understanding of their risks to the environment.
Agent: Dr Heather Moorhouse
Mission: Algal blooms
Heather is a freshwater ecologist specialising in the study of algae, particularly its role in oxygen production and the environment. Her work monitoring water quality in the Cumbrian Lakes is informing solutions to today’s water quality challenges.
Agent: Francesca Warren
Mission: Studying soil superheroes
Earthworms are soil superheroes, playing a vital role in soil health and nutrient cycles. Our Agent for Change Francesca Warren’s research in our organic chemistry labs is unlocking insights to inform policy for habitat protection.
Agent: Dr Melanie Gibbs
Mission: Butterflies under pressure
Melanie's research highlights the vital role of moths and butterflies in our ecosystems and how initiatives like the National Education Nature Park empower children to shape a better tomorrow.
Agent: Dr Anita Lazurko
Mission: Learning from the future
Anita uses futuring, foresight and scenario planning to tackle complex sustainability challenges in the present. She champions broader perspectives to address the complexity of our changing world.
Agent: Professor Helen Roy
Mission: Critical collaboration
Helen co-chaired the Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) thematic assessment on invasive alien species and their control. This global synthesis is having an impact all around the world.
Agent: Dr Jenna Lawson
Mission: Discovering biodiversity's secrets
Jenna shares how she uses technology to monitor biodiversity and tackle the drivers of nature loss on a larger scale. Her work is essential for filling critical information gaps and enhancing restoration efforts.
Agent: Dr David Philip Green
Mission: Imagination, inclusivity and innovation
Innovative research through design can deepen our understanding of the environment. David is exploring how 'serious games’ can help support decision-making for climate action!
Mission reports
Mission: The Data Science Toolbox
We're creating new tools and techniques to help governments, businesses, researchers and the public access, analyse and use environmental data effectively.
Mission: Studying soil superheroes
Research on earthworms, nutrient cycles and pollution is driving impactful environmental change. Discover how cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovation is informing policy.
Mission: Working against microplastics
We're looking at how we can improve microplastics sampling and analysis, and how we communicate the risks of plastic pollution in the environment.
Mission: Critical collaboration
International and multidisciplinary collaboration is crucial for tackling the threat of invasive non-native species.
Everything counts
