Background

David spent nearly 25 years leading the RSPB’s scientific programme, both in the UK and internationally. His role was to develop the strategic direction for RSPB’s science, ensuring that its policies and practices were evidence-based. He undertook his PhD in the Zoology Department of Cambridge University, and a post doc at the Station Biologique de la Tour du Valat in the Camargue, and at the Edward Grey Institute, University of Oxford. Subsequently David worked for the British Trust for Ornithology for seven years before joining the RSPB. He is a former Chair of the European Birds Census Council and of the Bat Conservation Trust, UK’s leading bat conservation organisation. He was a member of CCI Council for nearly a decade, serving as Vice-Chair and Chair. He served as interim CCI Executive Director in 2023/24.