Evolutionary Biologist & Science Educator - Menno Schilthuizen

Evolutionary Biologist | Citizen Science Educator | Author

I am an evolutionary biologist. I study how animals (specifically, insects and land snails) diverge and adapt. I am particularly interested in rapid evolution, either in natural situations or in situations that have been influenced by humans. I work both in the field and in the lab, and where possible I make use of that unique research tool: our natural history collection. My main motivation is the incredible diversity of life. In my research I study the processes that have driven (and are still driving) that diversification, especially on the molluscs:

kinabatangan-malacofauna — Snails of Lower Kinabatangan, Sabah: the often-isolated limestone outcrops of Borneo are perfect laboratories for evolution and provide good opportunities to study species diversification.

I founded the Taxon Expeditions to harness the power of citizen science for biodiversity discovery and its conservation. Together with our partners in local scientists, academic institutions, and citizen organizations, we organize expeditions to remote areas for non-scientists interested in nature and science and help them make scientific discoveries. Ultimately, we help complete the inventory of the world’s biodiversity, while spreading awareness on the importance of biodiversity conservation.

Discovering new species with scientists and non-scientists alike in the tall tropical forest of North Borneo. Photo: Taxon Expeditions.

Together with like-minded partners we discover new species around the world: like this semi-slug just by the tourist trail in Tawau Hills Park, Sabah.

I speak regularly in public to educate more people on the topics of evolution, biodiversity discovery, and its conservation. I also publish actively on new discovery in science, and have written books on the topic of evolution. My latest book is Darwin Comes to Town: How the Urban Jungle Drives Evolution.

science educator — I speak regularly around the globe on various topics of biology: here in Bandar Seri Begawan to a captive audience of the Brunei Nature Society.

evolutionary biologist science educator — I am passionate about sharing my knowledge with non-scientists: here with a participant of Taxon Expeditions in Tawau Hills Park, Sabah.

(All photos by Khoo M.S., unless otherwise stated.)