Simon Clulow

Dr. Simon Clulow is an Honorary Associate Lecturer in the School of Environmental and Life Sciences (Biological Sciences) at the University of Newcastle. He is a biologist specializing in ecology, conservation, evolution, and reproduction in terrestrial vertebrates, with a particular focus on amphibians as core models for his research. He works at the Amphibian Research Laboratory at the University of Newcastle and has established himself as a leading researcher in amphibian conservation and biotechnological approaches to species preservation.

Clulow completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences and a Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Teaching, both from the University of Newcastle. His educational background in both science and teaching has equipped him with strong research and pedagogical skills that he applies in his academic career.

Dr. Clulow's research is diverse and interdisciplinary, spanning ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation biology, and reproductive biology with a focus on Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) and gene banking. While he primarily works with amphibians, his research also extends to reptiles, mammals, and birds. A significant portion of his work involves large-scale and long-term field projects that collect extensive datasets to explain ecological and evolutionary processes over time. His research on the impact of invasive cane toads in the Kimberley wilderness of Western Australia represents a major contribution to understanding ecosystem impacts of invasive species. He is also a major advocate for biotechnological approaches to conservation, including his groundbreaking work on de-extinction that successfully revived live embryos of an extinct frog species through cloning - an achievement named in TIME magazine's top 25 inventions of 2013.

Analysis of Dr. Clulow's recent publications reveals a strong focus on amphibian conservation challenges, particularly related to the chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis), invasive species impacts, and the development of assisted reproductive technologies for threatened species. His work spans multiple disciplines including disease ecology, conservation genetics, reproductive physiology, and ecosystem management. A significant portion of his recent research addresses practical conservation solutions, such as creating disease refuges through environmental manipulation and developing cryopreservation techniques for threatened amphibians.

• TIME magazine's top 25 inventions of 2013 (for de-extinction work)

Dr. Clulow has established numerous significant collaborations with leading researchers including Professor Mike Archer (de-extinction and ART in Australian frogs), Professor H. Carl Gerhardt (evolution of complex acoustic signalling in frogs), and Dr. Sean Doody (impact of invasive cane toads on Kimberley fauna). He has received substantial research funding, including a multi-million dollar research program investigating the decline of the green and golden bell frog. His expertise has been recognized through invitations to participate in Australian Geographic scientific expeditions as lead amphibian biologist in 2011, 2012, and 2013, and as a specialist expert scientist for workshops directing policy and management of Australia's frog fauna.

Dr. Clulow is associated with the Amphibian Research Laboratory at the University of Newcastle, where he conducts research on amphibian conservation, reproductive biology, and the impacts of environmental threats on amphibian populations. His work often involves interdisciplinary teams combining field ecologists, laboratory scientists, and conservation practitioners to address complex challenges facing amphibian conservation.