A transformative reimagining of Multispecies Mutualisms
About the Project
Funded by a Wellcome Trust Discovery Award (2025-2030), Multispecies Mutualisms rethinks the idea that human-animal partnerships underpin mental, physical and material health. In the project we will examine representations, practices, and theories of mutualism across individual, social, and ecosystemic scales. This will be grounded in four domains characterised by claims about mutual benefit: dairy, equine therapy, hypoallergenic dogs and bird conservation.
The project is structured around three interconnected areas, each approaching multispecies mutualisms from a distinct perspective.
WORKSTREAM ONE
Representations
Representations examines how the benefits of multispecies mutualisms are conceived, represented, and contested across scientific, cultural, and policy discourses, using literary analysis, archival research, and digital methods to explore public understandings of health and human-animal relationships.
WORKSTREAM TWO
Practices
Practices Investigates how the interests of humans, animals, and ecosystems are negotiated through participant observation, interviews, and creative methods such as field recordings and photovoice.
WORKSTREAM Three
Theories
Theories develops new theoretical approaches by integrating insights from political ecology, ethics, literary theory, and science and technology studies, alongside empirical findings from the project’s case studies.
Go to our Project page for more information on our research
Discover new publications, creative work, events, and insights emerging from the project.
