Lecturer Shortlisted for International Conservation Award

A University of Suffolk lecturer has been named as a finalist in the world’s leading global conservation awards, hoping to track and protect Asian turtle species if he wins.

Dr Hei Sung, who specialises in the ecology and conservation of threatened animals, particularly reptiles, amphibians and birds, is one of ten conservationists worldwide in the running for the $50,000 (almost £40,000) Indianapolis Prize for Emerging Conservationists 2025.

The Indianapolis Prize is awarded biennially to an animal conservationist who has achieved major victories in advancing the sustainability of an animal species or group of species, and it also recognises emerging conservationists with the specific award Dr Sung is shortlisted for.

Dr Sung is a lecturer on the university’s BSc(Hons) Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science programme and his research focuses on the impacts of human activities on species and developing actionable conservation strategies to prevent extinction of species.

Dr Sung said: “I am tremendously pleased and honoured to have been shortlisted for this prestigious award alongside others whose work is so inspiring.

“In the future, I hope to continue contributing to the conservation of threatened species through scientific research and nurturing the next generation of ecologists and conservationists, who will work to protect our natural environment in Suffolk, the UK, and beyond.”

If he wins next year’s award, Dr Sung said he will use the money for two purposes.

His first project will be to organise a workshop in Hong Kong, inviting experts on turtle conservation and anti-poaching enforcement from around the world with the purpose of improving enforcement against illegal hunting and trade.

He will also conduct research testing new tracking techniques using miniature GPS tracking transmitters, on freshwater turtles.

“This study will be valuable because if I demonstrate that this technique is applicable to freshwater turtles, it can be used for real-time monitoring of individuals, particularly providing immediate alerts when the released individuals are removed by hunters.

“I aim to use this award platform to raise conservation efforts for Asian freshwater turtles.

“Personally, I aspire to learn from other conservation experts and explore innovative solutions on the conservation of freshwater turtles.

“In Asia, most freshwater turtles and tortoises are endangered due to ineffective enforcement against poaching and illegal trade. The remnant populations in Hong Kong represents some of the last strongholds for highly endangered species and the research and conservation actions I have undertaken in the last 16 years has been to protect these important populations.”

Dr Mark Bowler, senior lecturer and course leader Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science at the University of Suffolk said: “We are delighted to see Dr Hei Sung’s fantastic conservation work recognised by this prestigious international award.

“We were excited that Hei chose to join our team last year. He is a world-leading researcher in his field and brings a global perspective to our research group.

“It is great for our BSc Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science students to work with such an inspiring and effective front-line conservationist.”

To find out more about the BSc (Hons) Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science go to BSc (Hons) Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Science | University of Suffolk