The Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department recognizes that Black Lives Matter. As scientists, we reject the notion that science is separate from societal issues and inherently non-racist. We are committed to ending anti-Black racism and police violence against Black communities. We pledge to abolish white supremacy in all its forms and to elevate Black excellence in our department, the Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences, UC Irvine, and beyond.

Life Interconnected

Advancing ecological and evolutionary science through innovative research, training, and partnerships to ensure a sustainable future for our planet.

Research that Matters

Innovative research addresses global grand challenges in climate change, conservation, and emerging diseases.

DNA Icon (3)

Training the Next Generation

BS, MS, and PhD programs train the next generation of scholars with the scientific and professional skills to tackle pressing problems.

Building
Partnerships

Collaborations with agencies, non-profits, industry, and other academic disciplines keep research and training on the cutting edge.

Committed to Inclusion

A supportive departmental culture enables excellence through diversity, equity, and openness.

Biology for a Better World

Welcome to the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) addresses biological questions across levels of organization from genes and organisms to ecosystems and the globe.
Learn More about EEB

Faculty

Professor_Loudon

World-class faculty lead research programs and train students while meeting the needs of California residents and advancing scientific discovery.

Undergraduates

The undergraduate curriculum emphasizes breadth and depth in ecology and evolution while providing opportunities for research experience and career development.

Graduates

Treseder_lab _1

Masters and PhD programs offer preparation for diverse career paths in an inclusive community with excellent mentoring and graduate support.

Research in EEB

Faculty and trainees have access to world-class research facilities from the latest genetic sequencing technologies to an unparalleled network of field sites distributed across California’s diverse ecosystems.

Spotlight

Butterfly Blueprints

Adriana Briscoeprofessor of ecology and evolutionary biology, is featured on NOVA and PBS as she discusses how the scientific secrets of butterflies are inspiring technological innovations. 

News

November 22, 2024

Jennifer Martiny, Ph.D. University of California, Irvine Eco-evolutionary principles in the human gut microbiome What does eco-evolutionary theory teach us about improving ecosystem functioning and productivity in the human gut microbiome?  Scout note:“Jen is taking a large creative leap...

November 22, 2024

UC Irvine Study Reveals Snails Help Algae Thrive: New research uncovers snails’ unexpected role in promoting marine ecosystem health October 9, 2024 Irvine, Calif., October 9, 2024 — Researchers at the UC Irvine Charlie Dunlop School of...

August 13, 2024

Irvine, Calif., August 7, 2024 — A pivotal study from the UC Irvine Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences and NYU Grossman School of Medicine offers a fresh perspective on understanding cancer’s origins and progression....

> More News

#1 Cool School

Voted #1 “Cool School for Sustainability”

– Sierra

#1 Best Public University

Ranked #1 in the Nation for public universities.

MONEY magazine

#1 University

Doing the most for the American Dream

– The New York Times
College Access Index