Chemical Ecology is the study of naturally occurring compounds that mediate the interactions of organisms with each other and with their surroundings. Understanding these interactions can lead to the discovery of novel methods for controlling pest and disease organisms and optimising the behaviour of beneficial insects and pollinators without harmful effects on the environment.

Our Group has an international reputation for fundamental and applied research in Chemical Ecology, established during more than 50 years of work, primarily in developing countries but also in the UK and mainland Europe. The Group has world renowned expertise in the isolation, identification, synthesis, formulation and applications of natural products from plants and animals.

These natural products include pheromones and other attractants for monitoring and control of crop and storage pests, host attractants for monitoring and control of disease vectors, chemicals responsible for resistance of crops to pests and pathogens and plant compounds that mediate the health, behaviour and well-being of pollinators.

The Group includes specialists in chemistry, entomology and plant biochemistry, and we work with a wide range of collaborating organisations and industrial partners in the UK, Europe and developing countries. Although focussed on providing solutions to problems in pest and disease management, members of the Group lecture and publish widely and are long-standing members of the international chemical ecology community.