Rate My Professor Lloyd Davis

Lloyd Spencer Davis is the inaugural Stuart Professor of Science Communication in the Centre for Science Communication at the University of Otago. An internationally recognized scientist, award-winning author, and filmmaker, he holds a first-class BSc (Hons) degree in Zoology from Victoria University of Wellington and was awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship to pursue his PhD, focusing on behavioural ecology, particularly infanticide in Adélie penguins. His academic career at the University of Otago spans decades, beginning as a Lecturer in the Department of Zoology in 1985, advancing to Senior Lecturer (1990–2002), Associate Professor (2002–2007), and then to his current position in Science Communication since 2007. Prior to academia, he served as a Scientist in the Ecology Division of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) from 1983 to 1985. Davis is regarded as a world authority on penguins and has authored over 155 refereed publications covering behavioural ecology, penguin biology, science communication, and science diplomacy.

His research specializations include science diplomacy, frameworks for science communication, the science of wine, communicating science through national parks, online videos, mobile filmmaking to enhance engagement, website design influencing science communication, and the portrayal of penguins on screen. Key projects examine penguin depictions from filmmakers like Frank Hurley to David Attenborough and their impact on science messaging; develop new media skills in science students via podcasts, blogs, and websites; explore climate change representation on television news in New Zealand and Spain; and leverage national parks for science storytelling. Notable books include Penguin: A Season in the Life of the Adélie Penguin (1994, PEN Best First Book Award for Nonfiction), The Plight of the Penguin (2001, New Zealand Children's Book of the Year Award), and Looking for Darwin (2007, CLL Writer’s Award and runner-up for New Zealand Travel Book of the Year). His film Meet the Real Penguins garnered 12 major international awards. Academic honors encompass a Fulbright Fellowship, Anzac Fellowship, Prince and Princess of Wales Science Award, and editorial roles on the Journal of Science Communication and Marine Ornithology. He has held positions such as Vice-President of the PCST Network and various scientific committees.