In light of global crises like climate change and biodiversity loss, it has become increasingly clear that biodiversity underpins the stability of all life on Earth. Every species needs other species to survive, and it is biodiversity that gives rise to the infinite network of interactions which connects species with one another.

But we have consistently neglected this biocomplexity, reducing our ecosystems to their individual profit-making aspects. Simply said: we tend to oversimplify our planet, with long-term consequences for biodiversity.

The Crowther Lab invites everyone to rethink biocomplexity. Input talks from Dr. Carolina Bello and Dr. Camille Delavaux show how essential connectivity is for healthy ecosystems but also what may threaten the stability of those ecosystems. A second round of input led by Dr. Ian Brettell then shows how we can transparently measure, protect and restore this biocomplexity to address the current global ecological crises.

Panelists:

• Camille Delavaux, Institute for Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich
• Ian Brettell, Institute for Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich
• Carolina Bello, Institute for Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich

Moderation:
Alexa Firmenich, co-director of SEED Biocomplexity, a new initiative of the Crowther Lab at ETH Zurich