Dr. William James Sutherland, a pioneer in the interdisciplinary field of “conservation science” which is concerned with the conservation of biodiversity, is a renowned scientist with extensive accomplishments in research and other activities that range from fundamental ecological studies to recommendations on environmental policy. He has established, implemented and promoted the concept of “evidence-based conservation”, a term he coined to illustrate the innovative integration of knowledge supporting efforts to halt the ongoing global decline in biodiversity.

A naturalist with a passion for birds, Dr. Sutherland has been engaged in research on behavior and ecology from the very beginning of his career. His series of studies led him to formulate a rational theory to predict the decision-making of individuals within the context of the behavior of other individuals to subsequently predict the dynamics of populations, integrating the two previously distinct disciplines of behavioral ecology and population ecology.

In 2000, Dr. Sutherland created the aforementioned concept of “evidence-based conservation”, which has revolutionised the field of conservation ecology. The open website, Conservation Evidence, was launched in 2004, the result of a comprehensive review on a vast number of 1.6 million research papers written in 17 languages to identify and compile information on conservation success stories and failures (over 8,600) across all types of habitats (e.g., forests and grasslands) and taxa (e.g., birds and amphibians). This body of evidence is readily accessible to anyone interested in biodiversity conservation. Drawing inspiration from compilations of evidence on medical efficacy used by physicians, this website has enabled a shift away from earlier biodiversity conservation practices that relied solely on personal experience, knowledge and hearsay. With more than 15,000 regular users, including conservation organisations and funding agencies, Conservation Evidence is revolutionising decision-making processes on conservation around the world. Dr. Sutherland has achieved remarkable success in developing human resources through these activities, mentoring about 100 doctoral students and post-doctoral researchers and collaborating on research with around 3,000 people from over 60 countries.

Dr. Sutherland also conducts an annual “horizon scanning” in collaboration with other researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to reduce risk and aid in the formulation of policies by swiftly identifying early indicators of potential changes that may pose a significant threat to human society in the future. This assessment is used as a guide for biodiversity conservation strategies, sustainable food production, and financing.

Today, we are faced with an urgent challenge as biodiversity loss accelerates at an alarming rate due to impacts from human activity. Dr. Sutherland’s elegantly effective approach to conservation is a groundbreaking achievement that helps preserve numerous species, ecosystems, and ultimately the natural environment of the entire Earth, and is deserving of the International Cosmos Prize for the holistic and integrated strategies it embraces.