This seminar will be an act of self-indulgence on my part. I have been an ecological researcher since 1966 and a avid naturalist for as long as I can remember. I continue to be an active field worker and returned from my most recent field trip a week ago. I have been a government scientist, a university lecturer and then professor, and an advisor to various governments including acting as a Commissioner on a special federal inquiry, and as an author of an IPCC Report. I shall revisit some of my long-term research programmes and, as well as highlighting results, point out practical (and some philosophical) aspects relevant to anyone building a research career in ecology today.
Research highlights will include our studies of foodwebs in phytotelmata, studying a pest insect in the field, many aspects of butterfly biology, the study of arthropods in rainforest canopies, and the use of a target group (the moths) for evaluating ecological transitions in forest ecosystems.
More general ‘morals’ will include reflections on the importance of models and mentors, the nature and importance of publishing, networking, major collaborations, and how to engage productively with both the body politic and the general public.
More philosophical issues will include the centrality of the comparative approach, a reflection on pure (ecology) and applied (conservation biology) science, and when to change jobs!
Date : 12 December 2018 (Wed)
Time : 4:00pm
Venue: 3N-01, KBSB
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