Keele University is delighted to welcome Professor Dawn Scott to her new role as Head of the School of Life Sciences.

Professor Scott, who joins Keele from the University of Brighton, is a Professor of Mammal Ecology and Conservation and previously served as Deputy Head of Research and Enterprise and Assistant Head in Brighton’s School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences.

After completing her undergraduate degree in biological sciences at Durham University, she went on to study a PhD on desert mammals in Jordan, followed by postdoctoral work in the Kafue National Park in Zambia.

Her research investigates the impacts of anthropogenic activities on mammal communities, behaviour and ecology, as well as human and wildlife interactions, with fieldwork that takes her across four continents including work in East and Southern Africa, Estonia, Madagascar, Indonesia and Chile.

Professor Scott is passionate about citizen science and science communication and has contributed to several TV programmes including the BBC wildlife ‘watch’ programmes, speaking about her research into urban mammals, as well as writing for The Conversation.

She also chaired the Sussex Mammal Group and is involved with the Mammal Society and British Ecological Society.

Professor Scott said: “I am thrilled to be joining Keele’s School of Life Sciences and am pleased to be working alongside colleagues with such a wide range of expertise.

“I have always had a keen interest in mammals and my research has led to a passion for conservation, helping to alleviate biodiversity loss and reduce human-wildlife conflict by finding solutions for coexistence.

“My research has developed into investigating impacts of anthropogenic activities on mammal behaviour, ecology and biodiversity and a growing interest in why humans and wildlife come into conflict.

“During my time at Brighton I had the opportunity to work on a range of different projects in the UK and overseas, developing my expertise and interest in small mammals and carnivores.”

Professor Scott steps into the role left by Professor David Hoole, who stepped down as Head of School in August.