Zoological Society of London announces winners of its annual awards
Tuesday 20 June 2006
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is delighted to announce the winners of its Annual Scientific Awards, which will be presented by the President of ZSL, Professor Sir Patrick Bateson FRS, this evening (20th June 2006). The awards recognise particularly noteworthy achievements in Zoology, both at an advanced academic level and at earlier stages in the scientists’ careers. The awards also recognise the importance of the work of those working outside academic institutions, focusing on communication of zoology and its significance in a world where public understanding of science and related issues is vital to the success of the conservation of our planet.
A full list of the award winners is given below:
The Frink Medal for British Zoologists –
Professor Geoff Parker FRS, Liverpool University
This award is made annually to a professional zoologist for substantial and original contributions to the advancement of the science. Professor Parker has worked in the field of behavioural and evolutionary ecology for forty years, providing vital insights into game theory and its importance in understanding evolutionary processes from the origin of sex to individual behaviour and speciation.
The Scientific Medal –
Dr Daniel T. Haydon, Environmental & Evolutionary Biology, University of Glasgow
Professor Andy Purvis, Division of Biology, Imperial College, London.
This award is made to research scientists below forty years of age who have produced distinguished work in Zoology. Dr Haydon has utilised mathematical models to clarify our understanding of population biology and has dramatically improved our understanding of spatial coupling and disease spread in wild and domesticated populations of animals. Professor Purvis is a quantitative comparative biologist who has made major contributions in the fields of macroecology, conservation biology and phylogeny estimation, in particular providing us with the methodology needed to understand more about relatedness and its conservation applications.
The BIOSIS award for Communicating Zoology –
Charles Clover for his book, ‘The End of the Line: How overfishing is changing the world and what we eat’.
This award is given for the successful communication of zoological issues and developments to a public audience and was awarded to Charles Clover (Environment Editor of The Daily Telegraph) for his book on overfishing, from a highly competitive field of nominees. Mr Clover’s book is superbly researched and is both educational and informative, as well as being a fascinating read in its own right.
The Silver Medal –
Alastair Fothergill, BBC Natural History Unit.
This award is given, on occasion, for significant contribution to the understanding and appreciation of zoology and it has been awarded to Alastair Fothergill for his contribution to the direction of Deep Blue, a superb feature-length selection of the highlights of the BBC’s highly successful documentary series, The Blue Planet.
The Marsh Award for Conservation Biology –
Professor Bill Sutherland, University of East Anglia.
This award is given for contributions of fundamental science and its applications to animal species and their habitats. Professor Sutherland’s work has led to better conservation practice being applied to UK native species work, to better communication of conservation biology issues to students and other interested parties, and to encouragement of stronger science behind the conservation actions and solutions that are adopted.
The Marsh Award for Freshwater and Marine Conservation –
Professor Ian Boyd, Sea Mammal Research Unit, University of St Andrews.
This award is given for contributions of fundamental science and its applications to conservation in marine or freshwater ecosystems. Professor Boyd undertakes research that has guided best practice in the management of marine ecosystems around the globe and is currently a much-sought-after UK Government advisor on the management of seal populations.
The Stamford Raffles Award –
Dr Peter Grubb
This award is given for distinguished contributions to zoology by amateur zoologists, or professional zoologists for contributions outside of the scope of their professional activity. Dr Grubb has spent many years researching mammalian systematics, focusing on artiodactyls and primates, and providing us with theoretical treatments of evolution and biogeography.
The Thomas Henry Huxley Award –
Dr Andrew Gardner, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh.
This award is presented for the best zoological doctoral thesis produced in Great Britain or Northern Ireland. Dr Gardner’s thesis develops the theory of social evolution, covering a variety of different areas, including some unexpected sex ratio patterns, spiteful behaviour and punishment, and has improved our understanding of social evolution across a wide variety of taxa
The Prince Philip Prize –
Ailsa G. Bradbury of Wallington High School for Girls, for her project, ‘Investigation into the sensory responses of Calliphora larvae.
This prize is awarded for the best zoological project by an A-Level student or equivalent and has been given to Ailsa Bradbury on the sensory responses of blowfly larvae.
Honorary Fellowship of the Society –
Professor Sir John Krebs FRS
Professor Sir Brian Heap FRS
Professor Katherine Ralls
Honorary Fellowships are provided rarely by the Society to the most eminent Zoologists whose work has promoted the objectives of the Society.
— ENDS —
Notes to editors
Founded in 1826, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an international scientific, conservation and educational charity: our key role is the conservation of animals and their habitats. ZSL runs London Zoo and Whipsnade Wild Animal Park, carries out scientific research in the Institute of Zoology and is actively involved in field conservation in over forty countries worldwide. www.zsl.org
Press Contact
Alice Henchley
0207 449 6361
alice.henchley@zsl.org
