Major research programs in the Center are statewide inventories of native and introduced organisms, long-term monitoring of natural and disturbed communities, studies on exotic species, and systematic studies of organisms for which we have taxonomic expertise.

Center for Biodiversity staff members serve on a variety of boards and advisory committees, and participate in societies dedicated to the protection, management, and development of biotic resources in accordance with long-term environmental goals. Most members of the Center for Biodiversity are experts on certain groups of organisms and provide an identification service for other scientists, government agencies, and Illinois citizens.