Simon Butler

Simon Butler is a Professor of Applied Ecology at the University of East Anglia (UEA), School of Biological Sciences. He leads research on biodiversity conservation, land-use impacts, and interdisciplinary approaches linking ecological health to human well-being. His roles include Course Director of the MSc Applied Ecology & Conservation and Theme Leader for Organisms and Environment.

Education:

• DPhil in Conservation Ecology (University of Oxford, 2004)
• MRes in Ecology & Environmental Management (University of York, 2001)
• BSc in Zoology (University of Nottingham, 1998)

Research Interests: Focuses on global biodiversity decline mechanisms, conservation management strategies, and land-use conflicts in agricultural/woodland systems. Explores biodiversity-human health linkages, including soundscape complexity and mental health benefits. Develops objective indicator species frameworks.

Recent Research Themes: Articles address biodiversity metrics, population synchrony, robotics in monitoring, vineyard soundscapes, and dispersal genetics. Projects include NERC grants on mental health benefits of nature and climate-resilient land management.

Grants & Projects:

• Economics of Biodiversity Programme (Co-PI, 2023-2026)
• Valuing Nature Engagement via Soundscape (PI, 2022-2025)
• Population Synchrony Conservation Strategies (PI, 2020-2023)

Supervision: Current/previous PhD students include William Gough, Sarah Binnie, and Kirsty Franklin. Advises on 10+ projects across conservation biology and ecology.

Administrative Roles:

• UEA Senate Student Discipline Committee (2021–)
• BIO Plagiarism & Collusion Officer (2019–2023)

Collaborations: Works with RSPB, JIC, and international NGOs. Projects span UK, Europe, and tropical ecosystems.