Alan Launer was associated with Paul Ehrlich's research group at Stanford from 1978 to 1981, and has been at the Center for Conservation Biology since 1989. His current research activities focus primarily on the conservation biology of organisms inhabiting human-modified landscapes.

Specific topics of field research include: the ecology and conservation of biotic diversity restricted to the serpentine soil-based grasslands of the San Francisco Bay area; land use and conservation planning for the coastal grasslands and scrub of central California; and land use planning and endangered species preservation in the north Livermore Valley (Alameda County, CA).

Dr. Launer also works with Stanford University on issues involving protected species and university land use. His projects with Stanford include development of a habitat conservation plan covering several federally listed species on the Stanford campus, study of the population of California tiger salamanders (Ambystoma californiense) that reproduces at Lagunita, investigations on the biotic impacts of non-native fishes present in the San Francisquito Creek drainage, and determination of general university land use constraints concerning red-legged frogs (Rana aurora draytonii) and other species of conservation concern.

Dr. Launer also teaches a course on conservation biology with Center Director Carol Boggs, and advises undergraduates on research projects.