CaSEs: Culture and Socio-Ecological Dynamics

CaSEs Research Group

The Culture and Socio-Ecological Dynamics is a funded research group (SGR212) of the Catalan research system (AGAUR) with personnel from the UPF and the IMF-CSIC in Barcelona.

Vision

CaSEs research group approaches the study of human past by developing research beyond disciplinary boundaries and combining visions from both the humanities and the natural sciences. We seek to advance knowledge in human history through an understanding of the interplay between cultural, biological and ecological dynamics. In this respect, Archaeology offers unique chronological and spatial perspectives of the processes that have, and still are, shaping our species. This includes investigating societal responses to climate change and the engagement of human groups with the Earth’s ecosystems to enhance our understanding of the Anthropocene. This approach is deeply involved with the UPF ambitious international program to generate and transmit new knowledge on the concept of Planetary Wellbeing.

Mission

Stemming from the humanities, CaSEs aim to advance research by proposing new approaches for the study of social and ecological dynamics. Our mission is the development of research across disciplinary boundaries and to promote the strategic dissemination of results within and outside academy, to stakeholders at all levels, including the general public and policy makers. 

Objectives

The aim of CaSEs research group is the study of socio-ecological systems with a long term historical perspective and through the following major research themes:

1. Human interactions and modifications of ecosystems (Anthropocene) in a chronological and spatial perspective, and with a focus on how to evaluate land use in relation to environmental and societal settings.
2. Application of quantitative methods for the development of models in social dynamics.
3. Promote new transdisciplinary research for improving our understanding of cultural change.

We are devoted to learn about the various social and environmental processes that propel the historical and evolutionary trajectory of humankind. In order to know how people lived, adapted, organized themselves, exploited their environment, and how these aspects changed through time, we use a variety of theoretical approaches and methodologies with an emphasis on quantitative methods.