Kimberley Simpson

Dr. Kimberley Simpson is an Early Career Research Fellow at the School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield. She also holds an honorary Research Associate position at Rhodes University's Botany Department, South Africa. Her research focuses on plant trait diversity, fire ecology, and climate change impacts, particularly exploring how plants adapt to fire-driven ecosystems and global environmental shifts. Simpson has held roles including Postdoctoral Researcher (2019–2024) and University Teacher (2017) at the University of Sheffield, and Associate Lecturer at the University of York (2017–2019). She earned her PhD in Animal & Plant Sciences from the University of Sheffield (2013–2018), advised by Colin Osborne and Gavin Thomas.

Her work investigates how plant traits influence fire regimes and vegetation responses in fire-prone ecosystems. Key research projects include studying woody plant encroachment in savannas and the physiological innovations affecting plant survival under global change. Simpson’s publications span wildfire science, plant functional traits, and climate mitigation strategies.

Professional activities include Associate Editor roles for Journal of Ecology and Fire Ecology. Her research emphasizes translating ecological findings into actionable conservation and restoration strategies, particularly for grassy biomes and fire-prone regions.