Quantitative learning and literacy in ecology: Reflections and future directions

Dr. William Kay

Lecturer, Cardiff University

Abstract

Ecology is increasingly defined by rapid growth in data volume, analytical complexity, novel technologies, and statistical innovation. While these developments create opportunities for new insights, they also amplify long-standing challenges in quantitative training. Drawing on recent international discussions in the field, this talk synthesises contributions from educators, researchers, and practitioners to provide a perspective on what quantitative education for ecologists should prioritise. Rather than ever-growing technical complexity, the focus should be on the principles underpinning quantitative literacy: how data are generated, how uncertainty arises, how models represent ecological systems, and how analytical choices shape inference. As automated tools and AI become more prevalent, strong conceptual foundations are essential for the judicious use of quantitative methods. More broadly, quantitative education is a fundamentally human endeavour and quantitative literacy in ecology is ultimately built through context-rich, people-centred pedagogy that values diverse learner backgrounds and is supported by coordinated efforts from institutions and practitioners.