Emma Stone

Emma Stone is a Reader (Associate Professor) in the Department of Life Sciences at the University of Bath, affiliated with the Milner Centre for Evolution. She leads the Bat Conservation Research Lab, which conducts applied research on the interplay between ecosystems and society under anthropogenic change. Her work integrates social, ecological, and geographical methodologies, focusing on biodiversity impacts of urbanisation, habitat change, and artificial lighting, using bats as model organisms. She also conducts significant research on African carnivores, particularly in Malawi.

• University: University of Bath
• School: Milner Centre for Evolution
• Department: Department of Life Sciences
• Position: Associate Professor
• Email: els201@bath.ac.uk
• Lab: Bat Conservation Research Lab

Emma Stone's research centers on conservation biology and behavioural ecology, with strong emphasis on Global Environmental Change. Her work spans both the UK and Africa, investigating how human activities such as urbanisation, artificial lighting, and land-use change affect wildlife. She uses bats as bioindicators and models to understand broader ecological dynamics, while also leading research on African carnivores, particularly hyaenas and caracals. Her interdisciplinary approach combines field ecology with social science to inform conservation policy and practice.

The most recent articles reflect a consistent focus on anthropogenic impacts on wildlife. Trends include the effects of artificial lighting, noise, land-use boundaries, and urbanisation on bat activity, as well as methodological improvements in estimating carnivore populations. Research spans diverse ecosystems from UK farmlands to African miombo woodlands. Key themes include functional connectivity, habitat fragmentation, and welfare impacts of urban living on wildlife.

Emma Stone has received recognition through several scientific roles and affiliations:

• Member, IUCN Bat Specialist Committee
• Member, IUCN Hyaena Specialist Committee
• Regional Chair, BAT1K Committee
• Editorial Board Member, Mammal Review
• Associate Editor, Journal of Wildlife Research

She is actively involved in advising doctoral students and leads multiple research projects funded by bodies such as the Natural Environment Research Council and North Somerset Council. Her external collaborations include Natural England, the lighting industry, and local councils in the UK, as well as long-term field programs in Malawi through Conservation Research Africa. She has secured significant research funding for projects assessing lighting, noise, and urban impacts on bats and carnivores.

Emma Stone leads the Bat Conservation Research Lab, a dedicated team conducting field and policy-relevant research on bat ecology and conservation. She is also the Founder and Director of Conservation Research Africa, an English charity based in Malawi, which supports the African Bat Conservation and Carnivore Research Malawi projects. These initiatives involve multidisciplinary teams working across conservation, ecology, and community engagement.