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Dr. Marcus Collier

Associate Professor (Botany)
ANATOMY BUILDING
      
Profile Photo

Dr. Marcus Collier

Associate Professor (Botany)
ANATOMY BUILDING

 colliema@tcd.ie

 3531896 1641


I am fascinated by the human-nature interface, nature connectivity, and I specialise in social-ecological systems thinking. My many research interests include land use and land-use change, resilience thinking and societal transitioning, collaborative management and planning, urban and rural governance. Notable examples of my research include the contentious policy issues of biomass/bioenergy land-use policies and implications, afforestation policies and acidification processes, field boundaries and agri-environmental change, resource use and after-use policies, restoration ecology and rewilding, GM crops and biodiversity, marine and coastal governance, (cultural) ecosystem services, and well-being. In recent years, I have published extensively on contested issues such as novel ecosystems and nature-based solutions. I have been highly successful in applying for and leading multi-million Euro projects, as well as co-authoring many others. I led the TURAS FP7 project which was a €9m 36 partner consortium that devised diverse solutions to building climate resilience in cities. This was followed by the €12m Horizon 2020 Connecting Nature project. This was a 38-partner consortium that devised numerous mechanisms for mainstreaming nature-based solutions in cities. Recently, I concluded the NovelEco project. This was a €2m research project funded by my European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator grant, awarded in 2021. As an environmental consultant, before entering academia, I worked with communities, volunteers, and non-governmental agencies to co-create and implement environmental projects through adaptive collaborative processes. I often draw on my practical experience in the co-creation and co-design of environmental projects to shape empirical research methodologies for use in testing new mechanisms for collecting data. This co-production of knowledge (transdisciplinarity) is essential for achieving the proposed Sustainable Development Goals. My PhD research was an exploration of collaborative governance policies and future land use in severely damaged landscapes. For this, I examined (conflicting) stakeholder rationalities and power asymmetries.
  Biodiversity   Biodiversity and Conservation   BIOGEOGRAPHY   Citizen Science   CLIMATE CHANGE   Coastal management and conservation   CONSERVATION   Conservation Biology   ECOLOGY   Ecology, Ecosystems   ecosystem services   ECOSYSTEMS   Education for Sustainable Development   Environmental Conservation   Environmental Geography   Environmental planning and sustainable development   Human Ecology   human geography   INNOVATION   landscape ecology   Marine Ecosystems   natural capital   Natural History   Natural Sciences   Nature conservation policy and practice   NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS   NEW NATURE   NOVEL ECOSYSTEMS   PEATLANDS   Restoration and Preservation   RESTORATION ECOLOGY   REWILDING   Social Innovation   SOCIAL-ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS   Sustainable development   Sustainable Urbanism   Urban Ecology   Urban Geography   Wetland Ecosystems   Woodlands ecology
Project Title
 NovelEco
From
June 1st 2021
To
May 31st 2026
Summary
Novel ecosystems are unmanaged wild areas that cannot be restored to their original ecological status, especially novel ecosystems that occur in urban areas. Little is known about them because many people ignore or avoid wild spaces in cities. NovelEco will bring citizens together to collect ecological data on urban wild spaces for the first time. In doing so people will also reveal the values that wild spaces may have and how they affect our sustainability behaviour.
Funding Agency
European Research Council
Programme
Consolidator Grant
Project Type
Research
Person Months
60
Project Title
 Connecting Nature
From
June 1st 2017
To
May 31st 2022
Summary
Connecting Nature will position Europe as a global leader in the innovation and implementation of nature-based solutions. It brings together 29 partner organisations from 16 EU countries including local authorities, communities, industry partners, NGOs and academics. Through Connecting Nature, 11 European cities will invest in multi-million-euro large scale implementation test-beds of nature-based solutions and measure the impact of this approach on climate change adaptation, health and well-being, social cohesion as well as sustainable economic development.
Funding Agency
European Commission Horizon 2020
Programme
H2020-SCC-NBS
Project Type
Innovation Action
Person Months
60
Project Title
 GoGreen Routes
From
September 1st 2020
To
August 31st, 2024
Summary
Go Green Routes is a 39 partner four-year project which applies visionary and integrated solutions to improve health in cities. The €10.48 million project is coordinated at the Health Research Institute at the University of Limerick. It will co-create a knowledge ecosystem with urban communities to raise awareness of risks (e.g. air pollution), benefits of sustainable physical activity (e.g. green exercise and active travel), and sustainable nutrition, all to empower decision-making at individual, community and city level.
Funding Agency
European Commission Horizon 2020
Programme
Horizon 2020
Project Type
Research and Innovation Action
Person Months
190
Project Title
 ReNature
From
September 1st, 2018
To
August 31st, 2021
Summary
ReNature is a 'widening' project which brings a small number of partners (5) together to build capacity for research in urban areas in Malta, with a specific focus on urban nature-based innovation. This three-year project aims to develop solutions to pursue economic growth whilst improving human well-being and tackling environmental challenges that can be addressed through nature-based solutions, particularly those associated with sustainable urbanisation.
Funding Agency
European Commission Horizon 2020
Programme
H2020-WIDESPREAD-5-2017-Twinning
Project Type
Coordinating and Supporting Action
Person Months
50
Project Title
 PhD Scholarship
From
September 1st, 2018
To
August 31st, 2022
Summary
This research project will foster transdisciplinary, bottom-up processes, and the co-creation of a continuous, creative dialogue between and within communities and policy-makers with respect to nature-based solutions.
Funding Agency
Environmental Protection Agency
Programme
EPA Cofunding Scholarship Scheme
Project Type
PhD by Research
Person Months
48

Page 1 of 2
Details Date
Citizens Assembly on Biodiversity 2022
Chair of ERC SH7 Consolidator Award Panel 2021
Honorary scientific advisor to the Burns Bog Conservation Society, Vancouver, Canada 2006 to 2022
External evaluator for ERC Starter Grant (SH2, SH3, and LH1) Panels 2016-2022
Panel expert evaluator for the ERC Consolidator Grant (SH2 panel) 2019
Rapporteur for DG Research and Innovation: EU-Brazil Nature-based Solution dialogue, Brasilia, Brazil as the chosen representative of the European Union. 2018
External expert evaluator for the ERC Starter Grant (SH2 panel) 2018
Rapporteur for DG Research and Innovation: EU-China Nature-based Solutions dialogue, Ningbo, China as the chosen delegate from the European Union. 2016-2020
Panel expert evaluator for ERC Consolidator Grant (SH2 panel) 2017
Evaluator for Horizon 2020 (SC5) 2017
Expert evaluator for Horizon 2020 proposals (Societal Challenge 5) 2016
Expert evaluator for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions 2016-2017
External evaluator for the Government of Armenia (Twining with EU programme) 2016
Panel expert evaluator for the ERC Consolidator Grant (SH3 panel) 2015
Expert evaluator for Horizon 2020 proposals (Societal Challenge 5) 2014
Evaluator for the ERA-NET Cofund (Horizon 2020 / Societal Challenge 6) 2015
External evaluator for the Government of the Netherlands (PhD grants) 2014-2016
Scientific advisor to the Irish Dept. of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government 2005-2009
Scientific advisor to the Irish Government Sub-committee on the Environment (Peatlands) 2008
Scientific advisor to the Irish Farmers Association (Biodiversity agriculture) 2004
Language Skill Reading Skill Writing Skill Speaking
English Fluent Fluent Fluent
Details Date From Date To
Society for Ecological Restoration 2009 present
Geography Society of Ireland 2008 present
Khalid, H.; Collier, M.J., Sentiment analysis of urban wild spaces using machine learning: insights from social media data, Frontiers in Sustainable Cities, 2027, Journal Article, IN_PRESS
Staples, T.L.; Bridgewater, P..; Buckley, Y.; Durigan, G.; Harris, J.; Heger, T.; Kerr, M.; Maes, S.L.; Moxon, S.; Murphy, S.; Ordonez, A.; Standish, R.; Svenning, J.-C.; Zoderer, B.M.; Collier, M.J., Research on novel ecosystems is diverse, well-connected and slowing over time, Journal of Applied Ecology, 2027, Journal Article, SUBMITTED
Systems Approaches to City Research and Innovation: Biodiversity, Culture, and Geography in, editor(s)Oke, C.; Jance IV, B.; Delgado-Ramos, J.C.;, Roberts, D.C.; Tollin, N.; Irvin, A.; Doak, M. , A Global Research and Action Agenda on Cities and Climate Change Science: The Innovate4Cities Initiative, 2026, pp207 - 217, [Frantzeskaki, N.; Bush, J.; Hamel, P.; Pineda-Pinto, M.; McPhearson, T.; Kendal, D.; Collier, M.J.; Granados Alcala, J.], Book Chapter, PUBLISHED  TARA - Full Text  DOI  URL
O'Donnell, M.; Pineda-Pinto, M.; Andersson, E.; Collier, M. J., From control to cohabitation: Social-ecological insights on urban wildness narrative, Urban Forestry and Urban Greening, 117, 2026, Notes: [This research examines how people"s ideas about managing urban green spaces are evolving. In the past, management often focused on control, maintaining order and tidiness in nature. Recently, new approaches have emerged, such as urban wilding, which promotes allowing nature to grow and evolve more freely. This study tested whether workshops could alter people"s perceptions of urban green spaces. During the workshops, participants explored urban wild areas through activities like wild walks, storytelling, and role- playing as different species. These activities encouraged individuals to notice sensory details (such as sounds, textures, sights), and to share personal memories and stories. At first, many participants felt disconnected from the wild areas. But as the workshops progressed, they began to connect more deeply, moving away from seeing nature as something to control towards seeing it as something to live alongside and share. The study concludes that these kinds of participatory workshops can help people develop more ethical and coexisting relationships with urban nature. It also suggests that more research is needed to understand what drives these shifts in perspectives.], Journal Article, PUBLISHED  TARA - Full Text  DOI  URL
Braz Villanova, L.; Peregrina Puga, B.; Collier, M.J., Justice in urban nature-based solutions: A systematic review of distributive, recognition, and procedural dimensions, Nature-Based Solutions, 9, 2026, p100335 , Journal Article, PUBLISHED  TARA - Full Text  DOI  URL
O'Donnell, M.; Pineda-Pinto, M.; Kennedy, C.; McPhearson, T.; Bloodgood, L.; Collier, M.J, Exploring multispecies co-design for social-ecological transformation, Ecology and Society, 31, (2), 2026, p21 , Notes: [As urbanization intensifies, communities encounter increasing challenges in designing, planning, and managing urban green spaces. Co-design offers a just and participatory approach that can unite diverse interest-holders to identify challenges and devise transformative solutions to complex urban issues such as green space governance. However, while co-design is acknowledged for its potential to foster learning and systemic change, it largely remains anthropocentric, often overlooking multispecies perspectives in planning, policy, and academia. We present a case study from New York City that examines how a multispecies co-design approach may enhance social-ecological systems transformation by exploring participants" learning experiences and perceptual shifts. The paper begins by exploring the literature on co-design and multispecies thinking within social-ecological systems and their contribution toward transformations, establishing the conceptual groundwork for integrating non-human actors into urban planning. We then present a case study of a multispecies co-design process in New York City and explore how engaging with it contributes to systems transformation. Findings from the case study reveal key motivations for participation, drivers of learning during the process, and emergent transformative solutions. By analyzing these dynamics, this research illustrates how co-design, which integrates multispecies perspectives, may refine ecological decision-making and encourage deeper engagement with urban nature. The study argues that integrating multispecies approaches into co-design practices is essential for fostering sustainable societies. The paper concludes with guiding principles for researchers and practitioners seeking to implement inclusive co-design processes in social-ecological systems, particularly in complex urban environments such as New York City.], Journal Article, PUBLISHED  TARA - Full Text  DOI  URL
Braz Villanova, L.; Peregrina Puga, B.; Collier, M.J., How distributive injustice is produced in nature-based solutions: Institutional pathways across three Brazilian cities, Nature-based Solutions, (10), 2026, p100351 , Notes: [Nature-based Solutions (NbS) have been promoted as promising instruments for climate adaptation and the strengthening of urban resilience, particularly in the Global South. However, evidence indicates that their implementation may reproduce or deepen socio-spatial inequalities when justice criteria are not consistently incorporated into decision-making processes. We investigate how distributive injustices associated with NbS are produced prior to implementation, through institutional arrangements that structure decision-making in urban policies. We propose the Justice Production Cascade Framework, which conceives the procedural, recognition, and distributive dimensions of environmental justice as interdependent stages of a single causal chain. The framework makes it possible to trace how decision-making arenas, institutional knowledge filters, and categories of recognition shape, from the early stages of the public policy cycle, the territorial patterns of NbS allocation. We apply the framework to three Brazilian cities: São Paulo, Campinas, and São José dos Campos. The results show that distributive injustice does not primarily stem from implementation failures, but from the cumulative effect of procedural decisions and recognition mechanisms that stabilize unequal spatial trajectories. By shifting the analytical focus from the late-stage assessment of distributive effects to an understanding of their institutional production, we seek to advance the debate on environmental justice in NbS. We argue that the Global South offers a privileged lens to render these mechanisms visible, with relevant implications for the science-policy interface and for the design of more just policies.], Journal Article, PUBLISHED  TARA - Full Text  DOI  URL  URL
Heger, T.; Collier, M.J.; Higgs, E.; Kelz, R.; Montana, J., Climate change drives ecological novelty and new social challenges, Nature Climate Change, (16), 2026, p749 - 751, Notes: [Ecosystems are changing rapidly because of climate change, and this will have increasing social effects around the globe. We suggest that common social responses to rising novelty are often counterproductive, and we advocate for strategies that also allow for acceptance and adaptation to changes in nature.], Journal Article, PUBLISHED  TARA - Full Text  DOI  URL
Villanova, L.B.; Peregrina Puga, B.; Collier, M.J., Nature-based solutions; polycentric governance; institutional fragmentation; environmental justice; urban governance; global South, Cities, 2026, Journal Article, IN_PRESS
Huang, H.; Collier, M.J.; Lin, Y.; Lu, H.M.; Frantzeskaki, N., Grounding the flow: transformative place making with nature-based solutions along the River Dodder, Dublin, Ireland, Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 2026, Journal Article, IN_PRESS
  

Page 1 of 14
Collier, M.J., The National Wetland Wilderness Park: a blueprint for peatland afteruse, ENVIRON 2006: 16th Irish Environmental Researchers' Colloquium, University College Dublin, Ireland, 27th-29th January , 2006, pp1 , Conference Paper, PUBLISHED
Collier, M.J., Re-colonisation of a hedgerow after hedgelaying: using birds nests as indicators, Environ 2005: 15th Irish Environmental Researchers' Colloquium, Sligo Institute of Technology, 28-30 January, 2005, pp1 , Notes: [Abstract: The Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) has many measures for farmland conservation. Measure 5 deals with field boundaries and advises farmers that the one way to rejuvenate an overgrown "leggy" hedgerow (Option 5A) is to use a 'traditional' form of management known as hedgelaying. Hedgelaying is suggested as a method for rejuvenating a hedgerow whilst also making them stockproof. Among countryside managers a commonly held belief is that hedgelaying is an excellent way to conserve and augment hedgerow biodiversity and hence the reason why the REPS suggests it. This is because the woody element of the hedgerow is rejuvenated, the existing (genetic) stock is maintained, species variety is conserved and the overall life of the hedge is prolonged. However, there are very few data relevant to Ireland to support these claims and much of the ecological values assigned to hedgerows in Ireland are based on studies carried out in other juristictions. This six year study was carried out subsequent to a series of hedgelaying training courses in 1998 and it shows that when a hedgerow is laid, bird species rapidly colonise the hedge and that the number of nests declines annually. This is shown by the number of nests present annually and so may serve as an indicator of the value of hedgelaying for birds. Comparison is made with the only other study carried out in these islands which was nearly 30 years ago in England.], Conference Paper, PUBLISHED
Collier, M.J., Introduction to wildlife gardening, World Biodiversity Day, National Botanic Gardens, Dublin, 21st May , 2005, pp1 , Conference Paper, PUBLISHED
Collier, M.J., An ecological evaluation of field boundary stone walls in Ireland, Environ 2005: 15th Irish Environmental Researchers' Colloquium, Sligo Institute of Technology, 28-30 January, 2005, pp1 , Notes: [The ecological values of field boundaries in Ireland are poorly understood and many of the currently accepted values are based on extrapolated data from detailed boundary research in the UK, France and elsewhere. Though these locations have similar ecological characteristics as Ireland, and possibly a greater post-glacial biodiversity, it ought not to be concluded that Irish field boundaries have identical or even similar functions. Much of the data in Ireland relate to field boundary landscape characteristics and/or mis-management as opposed to ecological research based on field data. The limited research that has been carried out in the Irish Republic is on hedgerows and field margins. Some research has yielded data in relation to specific taxonomic groups yet it may be claimed that though much emphasis has been placed on the value of hedgerows there are little data to support this. The data that are available for stone wall boundaries are even less developed than those for hedgerow boundaries. This could be because a stone wall might not viewed as a 'living' habitat as hedgerows often are. Research on the ecology of stone walls globally is also surprisingly poor with much of the data relating to secondary (inferred) sources (Dover et al. 2000). Only two publications are exclusively concerned with stone wall ecology. Segal (1969) and later Darlington (1981) have produced seminal volumes on the ecology of urban walls and walls of old buildings. Both books refer in passing to field boundary walls but do not explore this area. In general, ecological references are few and most are unsubstantiated and even hearsay. In a trawl of the available literature it was found that no publications dealing exclusively with the ecological characteristics of field boundary stone walls, such as those that may be found throughout the Irish countryside, existed. This is quite surprising as boundary stone walls are recognised as a specialised habitat (Fossitt 2000) and are generally assumed to be of value to wildlife - in exposed areas particularly.], Poster, PUBLISHED
Collier, M.J., Stone walls in the Burren, The Review of REPS and Burren Farming, Carron, Co. Clare, Ireland, 10th December, 2004, Conference Paper, PUBLISHED
Collier, M.J., Proposal for the description and classification of wallrows in the Irish Landscape, ENVIRON 2004: 14th Irish Environmental Researchers' Colloquium, University of Limerick, Ireland, 30thJanuary-1st Febr, 2004, Notes: [Abstract: Field boundaries are a key feature of the Irish landscape and the most common of these are earthbanks, hedgerows, stone walls and fences. While carrying out a trial field boundary assessment survey form for the Field Boundary Evaluation and Grading System (Tearmann, 2003 in press), which focussed exclusively on hedgerows and dry stone walls, it was discovered that there is an undescribed classification of field boundary in Ireland. In areas where stone wall field boundaries are prevalent in the landscape it was noted that, in nearly every location, there has been some spontaneous scrub regeneration in close proximity to the wall. This regeneration is usually linear in nature, paralleling the wall itself, and often contains woody shrubs species commonly found in scrubland or in hedgerows. It is proposed that these features receive a separate classification, wallrow, and that research be undertaken into establishing their morphology, the factors contributing to their formation and their ecological role in the landscape. The purpose of this poster is to stimulate discussion on the topic, seek more information on these landscape features and to establish an opinion on whether wallrows may be ecologically important. A case in favour of separate classification is set out.], Poster, PUBLISHED
Collier. M.J.; McCabe, O. & Farrell, E.P., PNtrap Project: Using trees and woody shrubs to intercept excess nutrient in farm and forestry runoff, 7th IWA International Conference Diffuse Pollution and Basin Management, UCD, Dublin and Johnstown, Co. Wexford, 17th-22nd August, 2003, pp1 , Notes: [Water protection has long been a cornerstone of EU environmental policy. It is the sector with the most comprehensive coverage in EU environmental regulations (Kallis & Butler 2001). Water catchment nutrient management is poorly developed in Ireland and runoff nutrient entering watercourses is increasing (Tunney et al 2001). This has a serious and detrimental effect on water quality as well as ecological processes. In European countries such as the Netherlands, France, Sweden and Italy, national and local governments have implemented substantial programmes aimed at combating excessive nutrient loss to watercourses from agricultural, silvicultural and waste treatment activities. It has been demonstrated that many trees have the ability to intercept and absorb large volumes of nutrients (Hefting & de Klein 1998). Buffer plantations of, often, willow (Salix spp.) and other species may be established in order to effectively and efficiently intercept surface runoff of nitrate (N) and phosphate (P). In addition, such buffer plantations could themselves produce an annual crop requiring little management and low-priced technology to harvest. Yet, the science behind the application has not been established in Ireland. The PNtrap project is currently under development in the Forest Ecosystem Research Group in the Department of Environmental Resource Management, UCD. The aim of this innovative project is to investigate the nutrient interception and absorption properties (N and P) of broadleaved trees, especially native species and varieties, and the beneficial effect that this may have for watercourse management in relation to farm and forestry runoff. The objective is to develop trial plots and test scenarios in order to identify the optimum tree and woody shrub species. The PNtrap project will commence in late 2003 and will run for a minimum of three years. Though the primary aim of the project is to establish a scientific basis for the utilisation of trees and woody shrubs to intercept nutrient entering watercourses, it is hoped that this will reveal if woody buffer zones are capable of protecting water catchments from N and P enrichment in Ireland.], Poster, PUBLISHED
Collier, M.J., Developing a field boundary evaluation and grading system in Ireland, ENVIRON 2003: 13th Irish Environmental Researchers' Colloquium, NUI Galway, 8th-10th January, 2003, Poster, PUBLISHED
Collier, M.J., Using trees and woody shrubs to intercept excess nutrient in farm and forestry runoff, 7th International Conference on Diffuse Pollution and Basin Management, Johnstown, Co. Wexford, 17th-22nd August, 2003, Notes: [Abstract: The aim of the PNtrap Project is to investigate the nutrient interception and absorption properties (N and P) of broadleaf trees and shrubs (especially native species and varieties) and the beneficial effects that they may have on watercourses. The objective is to develop trial plots and test scenarios in order to identify the optimum tree and woody shrub species. Survey work is currently under way in Co. Mayo with the assistance of the local office of Teagasc and South West Mayo LEADER Company. The project will involve the establishment of research plots on lands that adjoin water bodies. These research plots will be located on lands that have a high eutrophic potential.], Poster, PUBLISHED
Collier, M.J., Hedgelaying, Ruralité, faune sauvage et développement durable: Le bocage, enjeux de territoire pour demain, Rennes, France, 16th-17th October , 2002, pp1 , Conference Paper, PUBLISHED

  


Page 1 of 2
Award Date
Trinity Fellow 2023
European Research Council Consolidator Award 2021
Government of Ireland Champion of EU Research Award; awarded by President M.D. Higgins 2011
Irish Research Council New Ideas Award 2011
University of Aberdeen: Transdisciplinary Masterclass Award 2006
University College Dublin: Graduate Research and Innovation Prize 2007
University College Dublin: Postgraduate Publication Prize 2004