William James Sutherland

William James Sutherland is a Professor and Director of Research at the Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, and Chair of the Cambridge Conservation Initiative. He has held multiple influential roles, including Miriam Rothschild Chair in Conservation Biology (2006–2023) at Cambridge and Professor at the University of East Anglia (1996–2006).

His research focuses on evidence-based conservation, testing conservation interventions, and improving policy effectiveness. He pioneered horizon scanning to identify priority research questions and developed behaviour-based population models for ecological studies.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Scientific Medal, Zoological Society London (1997)
  • Marsh Award for Ecology (2001)
  • Marsh Award for Conservation Biology (2005)
  • British Ecological Society Ecological Engagement Award (2012)
  • Distinguished Service Award, Society for Conservation Biology (2013)
  • Sir John Burnett Memorial Lecture Medal (2013)
  • ISI Highly Cited Researcher (2016)
  • Fellow of the Royal Society (2023)
  • International Cosmos Prize (2024)