Linnean Medal 2025 awarded to wildlife biologist Professor David Macdonald

Professor David Macdonald CBE

Professor David Macdonald, who founded the Department of Biology’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), has been awarded the Linnean Medal for long-standing and significant contributions to natural sciences.

Through almost 40 years of wildlife research at WildCRU, David has contributed extensively to studies of a wide range of species including foxes, badgers, lions, clouded leopards, mink, Scottish wildcats, hedgehogs, moths and penguins. As such, he is recognised as one of the most prominent international figures raising public awareness of the importance of biodiversity.

Beyond scientific research, David was an early advocate for engaging with local communities to ensure long-term conservation success. This has extended to WildCRU’s support of aspiring conservationists from biodiversity-rich countries, through establishment of the Recanati-Kaplan Centre Postgraduate Diploma in International Wildlife Conservation Practice. Furthermore, David continues to engage with policymakers and environmental decision makers around the world and values the formation of conservation partnerships which benefit both people and the wildlife they live alongside.

Professor David Macdonald CBE, FRSE C. Cody Altizer

David commented:

“The questions that preoccupied Linnaeus, nowadays at the intersection of evolutionary theory and naturalistic insight, lit a fire in the minds of scientists whose flames the Linnean Society has fanned for 237 years. I am deeply humbled to be honoured by the most prestigious accolade of this most venerable of natural history societies, and to feel part of this inspiring, and still vibrant, tradition.”