Sophie Lund Rasmussen

Dr. Sophie Lund Rasmussen, known as 'Dr Hedgehog', is a Visiting Researcher at the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) of the University of Oxford, Research Fellow at Linacre College, and Research Associate at Aalborg University. Her work focuses on European hedgehog conservation through interdisciplinary research, science communication, and policy engagement.

• Collaborated with European Parliament and IUCN for hedgehog red-listing
• Pioneered DNA analysis of hedgehog faeces to study diet and biodiversity
• Developed citizen science initiatives like Denmark's National Hedgehog Count
• Advocates for conservation medicine and environmental toxicology research

Her 2024 study revealed alarming pesticide contamination in Danish hedgehogs (84% with rodenticides), while concurrent research explores microbiome dynamics through faecal DNA. She actively combines field biology with public engagement, including TEDxTalks and social media campaigns.

Research initiatives include:

• Outer Hebrides hedgehog microbiome and parasite studies
• Ecosystem impact assessments
• Conservation strategy development

Key collaborations involve WWF Denmark, Nordea Foundation-funded 'Danmarks Pindsvin' campaign, and Danish Mammal Society. She maintains digital presence through platforms like X (@Dr_Pindsvin), YouTube, and personal website.