Katherine Willis - Biography#

Professor Kathy Willis is a biological scientist with a deep interest in understanding how biodiversity and ecosystems respond to environmental change. Her research in long-term ecology and ecosystem resilience has contributed significantly to the scientific foundation of biodiversity conservation and nature recovery. She has led major institutions and collaborative programmes that bring together science, policy, and public engagement to address environmental challenges. She is also strongly committed to training and mentoring the next generation of scientists through teaching and capacity building. In the House of Lords, she uses this background to advocate for evidence-based approaches to biodiversity and climate issues, ensuring that science remains central to decision-making.

Current Positions:

Professor of Biodiversity, University of Oxford: Leads a 14-person research group exploring long-term ecological and biodiversity change using palaeoecological and modern datasets. Supervises DPhil students and teaches across the Life Sciences Division.

Crossbench Life Peer, House of Lords: Contributes scientific expertise to legislative scrutiny, with a focus on biodiversity and nature-based solutions. Alao serves as a member of the Science and Technology Select Committee.

Principal, St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford: Provides strategic leadership of one of Oxford’s largest colleges, comprising around 1,000 students and staff. Oversees academic direction, operational management, and supports research and teaching.

Previous Positions

Director of Science, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2013–2018): Directed the strategic transformation of Kew’s scientific activities. Developed and launched the institution’s first Science Strategy, initiated global programmes including State of the World’s Plants (2015, 2016) and Fungi (2017), and strengthened international scientific partnerships. Managed 370 scientists and an annual operating budget of £22 million.

Earlier academic roles include: Tasso Leventis Chair and Director, Biodiversity Institute (Oxford); Professor of Long-term Ecology (Oxford); Royal Society Research Fellow (Cambridge); Adjunct Professor (Bergen).

Research Contributions and Mentorship

Research: Has authored over 220 peer-reviewed papers in long-term ecology, biodiversity, and conservation biology. Her work has over 38,500 citations and an H-index of 87 (GS 20/1/26).

Grants: Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator on major UK and international research grants in past 8 years, including NERC, Gates Foundation, and EU Life+

Mentorship: Supervised 29 DPhil students and mentored 27 postdoctoral researchers, many of whom now hold senior academic positions globally.

Science Communication

Professor Willis has a strong record in science communication including broadcasting for radio and TV and writing public-facing books. At Kew, she also founded the Children’s Science Festival, which still attracts thousands of children annually.