Rate My Professor Simon Clulow

Dr. Simon Clulow is an Honorary Associate Lecturer in the School of Science (Biological Sciences) at the University of Newcastle, Australia. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences and a combined Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Teaching from the University of Newcastle, completing his PhD in 2017. His academic and research career centers on the ecology, conservation, evolution, and reproduction of terrestrial vertebrates, with a particular emphasis on amphibians. Clulow works in the Amphibian Research Laboratory, contributing to long-term field projects such as monitoring the ecological impacts of invasive cane toads in the Kimberley region, reversing the decline of the green and golden bell frog through conservation efforts, and developing biotechnological solutions including gene banking and assisted reproductive technologies (ART). He has been involved in groundbreaking de-extinction research, notably cloning the extinct gastric-brooding frog, which was recognized as one of TIME magazine's top 25 inventions of 2013.

Throughout his career, Clulow has authored key publications that advance conservation biology. Notable works include the book 'A Complete Guide to Frogs of Australia' (2018, co-authored with M. Swan), chapters on amphibian cryopreservation and reproductive modes (2022, 2026), and high-impact papers such as 'Invasive toads shift predator-prey densities in animal communities by removing top predators' (Ecology, 2015) and 'Mitigation-driven translocations: are we moving wildlife in the right direction?' (Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 2015). His research has garnered over 3,450 citations according to Google Scholar. Clulow received the NSW Tall Poppy Science Award in 2019 as a recent University of Newcastle PhD graduate and the British Ecological Society's Southwood Prize for early-career research. He has served as an invited specialist in workshops on Australian frog policy and management and as lead amphibian biologist in Australian Geographic expeditions (2011-2013). His contributions extend to collaborations on multi-million-dollar research programs addressing amphibian declines.