News / University of Bristol
Winner of coveted ecological prize ‘thought it was a practical joke’
A University of Bristol ecologist has been awarded a coveted prize for an “outstanding early career” and significant contribution to ecology.
Dr Chris Clements the prestigious Founders’ Prize which commemorates the enthusiasm and vision of the British Ecological Society’s founders.
The ecologist’s research focuses on developing and testing early warning signals of population collapse.
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But speaking about his reaction to the award, he laughed, saying “I actually thought it was a practical joke. I checked if it was an actual email address, but I had no idea… I felt very surprised about it.”
The award is reserved for an outstanding early career ecologist who is starting to make a significant contribution to the science of ecology.
The Founders’ Prize commemorates the enthusiasm & vision of the BES founders. This year, it was given to @DrChrisClements at @BristolUni
Working at the interface of experimental ecology & conservation biology, Chris’s research tests early warning signs of population collapse pic.twitter.com/Gp0yZSMu44— British Ecological Society (@BritishEcolSoc) September 20, 2022
A senior lecturer and researcher at the school of biological sciences at the University of Bristol, his work covers both on experimental ecology and conservation biology.
“My research is mostly about biodiversity change… Answering questions like if a population of a species is going to go extinct, and whether we can predict that,” said Clements.
Ten distinguished ecologists and groups whose work has benefited the scientific community and society in general were recognised.
According to the Royal Society, the UK has seen a ‘dramatic’ decline of 13 per cent in its average abundance of wildlife since the 1970s.
This piece of independent journalism is supported by NatWest and the Bristol24/7 public and business membership
Main photo: Chris Clements
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