Mike Lee

Mike Lee is a Professor in Evolutionary Biology at Flinders University, jointly appointed with the South Australian Museum. His research spans Phylogenetics, Macroevolution, Herpetology, and Palaeontology, primarily focusing on reptiles (living and fossil), but also birds, mammals, and arthropods. He employs 3D imaging, anatomical analysis, and Bayesian phylogenetics to study evolutionary patterns such as limb loss, speciation rates, and phenotypic plasticity.

• Key Collaborations: Flinders Palaeontology Group, ARC-funded projects, and international researchers.

Research Grants include multiple ARC Discovery Grants (2016-2025) totaling over $1.2 million, focusing on snake evolution, fossil integration with genomics, and neural adaptations in reptiles.

Scientific Awards:

• Fulbright Fellow (1998)
• Edgeworth David Medal (2000)
• Tall Poppy Award (2003-2004)
• Top 10 Breakthrough of 2014 (Science/AAAS)
• Riversleigh Medal (2015)
• Verco Medal (2018)

Media Engagement: Regular contributor to The Conversation, with topics ranging from human evolution to Australian megafauna extinction. Available as a media expert on Biodiversity, Palaeontology, Reptiles, and Zoology.