Dr Simon Clulow
Macquarie University
Research Field: Conservation Biology
With Earth in the midst of what scientists describe as the planet’s sixth mass extinction event, Dr Simon Clulow’s passion for conservation and interest in reproductive biology has led to his strong advocacy for stopping species extinctions through biotechnological means.
Dr Clulow’s work on de-extinction (or resurrecting extinct species), controlling global pathogens such as the chytrid fungus, and understanding the impact of the invasive cane toad on Australia’s fauna has received considerable media attention, notably his work on a cutting-edge collaborative de-extinction project that saw the revival of live embryos of an extinct frog species through cloning.
The conservation ecologist’s research is diverse and interdisciplinary, focused on the fields of ecology, behaviour, conservation and reproductive biology, specifically assisted reproductive technologies and gene banking within terrestrial vertebrates.
Dr Clulow’s research has had significant impact, for example a study he led demonstrated that a simple environmental manipulation can significantly reduce levels of the chytrid fungus responsible for the decline and extinction of frog populations and species worldwide.
Simon’s published work includes 58 peer-reviewed papers, a book chapter and the book, A Complete Guide to Frogs of Australia.
Dr Simon Clulow was awarded his PhD in 2017 by the University of Newcastle and is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the Department of Biological Sciences at Macquarie University.