Menno Schilthuizen

Menno Schilthuizen is a Dutch evolutionary biologist and ecologist, known for his research at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden, Netherlands. Alongside his research, he holds a professorship in evolution and biodiversity at Leiden University. As an author, he has written six popular science books, with titles such as "The Urban Naturalist: How to Make the City Your Scientific Playground," "Nature's Nether Regions," and "Darwin Comes to Town." These works, translated into multiple languages, focus on diverse subjects from the evolution of genitalia to urban evolution. His research and written works reflect his diverse scientific interests, which include land snail ecology, urban heat islands, and the evolution of diverse species.

Beyond his academic and research pursuits, Schilthuizen also applies his expertise as a science communicator through his company, Studio Schilthuizen. In this capacity, he conveys complex scientific concepts to the public through various media, including books, articles, and lectures. He has also been a featured speaker at several TED and TED-Ed events, and has presented alongside actress Isabella Rossellini at the New York Public Library. His ability to effectively communicate scientific concepts to a broad audience is evidenced by the praise his book "Darwin Comes to Town" received from The Sunday Times.

In addition to his numerous roles, Schilthuizen co-founded Taxon Expeditions, an organization that facilitates field courses for citizen scientists. Through this venture, he has organized scientific expeditions in various locations, including Borneo and Amsterdam, allowing non-biologists to experience and contribute to the discovery and publication of new wildlife species. His work in various locations, from the mountains of Crete to the rainforests of Borneo, demonstrates his commitment to promoting an understanding and appreciation of biodiversity and evolution among a wide audience.