Our research

We aim to better understand and promote the resilience of biocultural landscapes, how to effectively conserve biodiversity and ecosystem services, and how to constructively foster critical engagements with environmental data and digital technologies. We adopt an intersectional research approach that pays critical attention to how gender and other social categories (e.g. age, race, generation, economic status) shape environmental governance, institutions, values, and justice-related outcomes. 

Human wellbeing and everyday lives in rural landscapes

We explore how global (environmental) change influences livelihoods, and how such change affects human wellbeing and transforms people’s lives, including resource management and cultural practices, as well as people’s capacity to adapt, thrive or suffer because of changing conditions.

Knowledge, data and technology in nature conservation, environmental management, and ecosystems’ governance

We investigate how scientific, or Indigenous and traditional environmental knowledges are produced and legitimised, and what justice implications they imply.

Narratives, policies and projects for the green transition

We analyse how specific environmental governance narratives, policies and projects get translated, adapted, or resisted across scales, and with which socio-ecological consequences.

Our key topics

Adaptation11Biodiversity Conservation22Citizen Science3Climate change14Conference5Data Justice11Ecosystem Services16Environmental Conflicts9Environmental Governance17Environmental Justice10Ethnobotany3Human-nature relationships11Indigenous Peoples3Indigenous and Local Knowledge30Knowledge transfer7Mediterranean3Nature-based solutions12Participation2Pastoralism3Project7Relational values6Research24Rural and Urban land-use9Socio-ecological digital9Vulnerability6

Our values

Brave Space Guidelines

Grounded in a culture of care and mutual support, we share the Brave Space Guidelines that frame our monthly meetings. Feel free to explore and download the reference PDF at the end of this section as an invitation or inspiration for your own care practices within academic and collective spaces.

Everyone is expected to come with openness, kindness, generosity, and accountability to each other. This means we do not laugh at personal differences or different abilities, we elevate others’ work or ideas where appropriate, and we take ownership of our words and actions. We assume therefore that everyone speaks with positive intent, although someone may say or do something that unintentionally causes offence. If that happens, we ask for clarification and are open to dialogue. We can speak with the individual privately or raise concerns collectively.

  • We are all respected and valued as members of LASEG (regardless of our background and research publications)
  • Introductions with pronouns: We introduce ourselves with our preferred gender pronouns
  • One person, one mic: Only one person speaks at a time; no one should interrupt anyone
  • Actively listen: Listen to what is said before thinking about how to respond. Don’t make judgements or assumptions, and ask questions instead
  • Step back: Share speaking time and try to speak after others who have not spoken
  • Be brave: We are all learning and will make mistakes. Everyone should feel encouraged to speak up
  • Centre others, not yourself: Ask questions of what others need or want instead of assuming what we think they should need or want, or imposing your opinion
  • English language clarity: Given different language fluencies, we appreciate everyone’s effort to speak clearly and slowly in English. If someone is speaking too fast or unclearly, anyone can motion ‘slow down’ with their hands.
  • Language diversity: Being in Catalonia and Spain if we are more comfortable or better able to express ourselves in Catalan or Spanish, we can do so, provided that others are present to provide translation for others less fluent in those languages.
  • Challenge with care: Find ways to respectfully challenge others and be open to challenges of your own views. Question ideas without personal attacks.
  • Confidentiality: Stories or personal information shared during meetings should not be shared outside without permission, so that we maintain openness and trust amongst ourselves

  • We speak from our own experience and not for others: We recognise that our experiences, values, positionalities are unique, and we do not use language that is generalising nor stereotype based on assumptions.
  • Notice and name group dynamics in the moment: We are all responsible for this space, and should notice how others are responding and not responding. Ask for a “time out” or dialogue if needed or encourage people to speak up
Download the Brave Space Guidelines

Buddy system

At LASEG, we believe that research thrives in a supportive, inclusive, and caring environment. Integrating into a new academic group, university, or country comes with both exciting opportunities and practical challenges. To ensure that every new member feels welcomed, valued, and connected from day one, we have established the LASEG Buddy System.

The Buddy System is a peer-to-peer initiative built on:

  • Informal Peer Support: Every newcomer, whether a PhD researcher, postdoc, technician, or visiting scholar, is paired with an experienced group member. Buddies offer trusted, informal guidance on everything from navigating ICTA-UAB and office routines to settling into life in Barcelona.
  • Thoughtful & Inclusive Matching: We connect members based on shared preferences, including career stages, research interests, language, or background, honoring the diverse international character of our team.
  • Reciprocity & Connection: Grounded in a spirit of mutual care, participation is voluntary and reciprocal.

The Buddy System is one of the practical ways we bring our group values to life.