2007 William Procter Prize for Scientific Achievement
Duke University professor Stuart Pimm became a conservation biologist watching species become extinct in Hawaii in the 1970s. That experience led to his commitment to study the scientific issues behind the global loss of biological diversity. Pimm has written over 200 scientific papers and four books, including The Balance of Nature? Ecological Issues in the Conservation of Species and Communities, and his global assessment of biodiversity's future: The World According to Pimm. His research covers the reasons why species become extinct, how fast they do so, the global patterns of habitat loss and species extinction, the role of introduced species in causing extinction and the management consequences of this research. His commitment to the interface between science and policy has led to his testimony to both House and Senate Committees on the re-authorization of the Endangered Species Act. Current work includes studies of endangered species and ecosystem restoration in the Florida Everglades, and setting priorities for protected areas in the Atlantic Coast forest of Brazil. He also holds the position of Extraordinary Professor at the Conservation Ecology Research Unit at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. The Institute of Scientific Information recognized him in 2002 as being one of the world's most highly cited scientists. In 2006, he received the Heineken Prize for Environmental Sciences from the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences.