Peter Brown

Peter Brown is an Associate Professor in the School of Life Sciences at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), Faculty of Science and Engineering. His research focuses on ladybird ecology, invasive species, and citizen science, with strong collaborations across the UK (especially the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and University of Hull), Europe, and Chile.

Education:

• PhD: The spread of the harlequin ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Europe and its effects on native ladybirds – Anglia Ruskin University (2010)
• BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation – Anglia Ruskin University (2004)

Peter's research interests include ladybird ecology, the impacts of non-native species on native biodiversity, intraguild predation among arthropods using molecular tools, and the use of citizen science in ecological research, particularly through the UK Ladybird Survey and COST Action CA17122. He investigates the global spread and ecological effects of the harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and evaluates the benefits and risks of exotic biological control agents. As director of the Citizen Science Research Group and member of the Applied Ecology Research Group, he emphasizes public engagement in science.

His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on citizen science, invasive species monitoring, and conservation biology. Themes include volunteer motivations, digital tools for data collection, policy implications of alien species, and recovery strategies for native ladybirds. This body of work demonstrates a strong integration of field ecology, molecular techniques, and public participation.

Scientific Awards and Memberships:

• Fellow, Royal Entomological Society
• Honorary Fellow, British Naturalists' Association
• Co-leader, UK Ladybird Survey
• Editorial board, Nature in Cambridgeshire
• Member, British Ecological Society

Peter supervises postgraduate research in ladybird and insect ecology and welcomes PhD applications. He has secured collaborative research opportunities and leads projects involving citizen science data. He has also contributed to policy and management frameworks for invasive species in Europe. Peter leads the undergraduate module 'Invertebrate Biology' and postgraduate modules in conservation and biodiversity, including field-based learning.

He directs the Citizen Science Research Group and is actively involved in public outreach, having appeared on BBC programs such as The One Show, Countryfile Diaries, and The Today Programme, enhancing public understanding of ecology and invasive species.