Society for Conservation Biology

From left to right: Professor Richard Fuller, Dr. Monique Sosnowski, Dr. Sanjay Molur, Dr. Anthony Giordano, and Dr. Jigme Wangyal Tshelthrim.

The Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) bestowed high honors on six conservationists from around the world for their contributions to the science and practice of biodiversity conservation. The Society presented the awards at the 2025 International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB) in Brisbane/Meanjin, Australia.

SCB's Global Awards, presented every other year at ICCB, are given to individuals, groups, or institutions for distinguished service in any field associated with biodiversity conservation, and whose work has furthered the mission of SCB. This year, six individuals were honored at ICCB 2025 under four categories for their outstanding work in the field. Details below.

Conservation Beacon Award: Recognizes women of marginalized status that are historically underserved within higher education. 

Dr. Erika Zavaleta: For extraordinary contributions to conservation science and its translation into Californian, American, and international conservation outcomes as a University of California, Santa Cruz professor, and as the California Fish and Game Commissioner. Dr. Zavaleta strengthens conservation by expanding the inclusivity of its culture and diversity through her leadership of the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program, the Center to Advance Mentored, Inquiry-based Opportunities, and FieldFutures.

Distinguished Service Award: Recongizes individuals for distinguished service in any field associated with conservation biology and for furthering the mission of SCB.

Professor Richard Fuller: For exceptional contributions to conservation biology via pioneering research, influencing national and international policy, and driving science communication. Professor Fuller is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of conservation scientists.

Dr. Anthony Giordano: For extraordinary contributions to the conservation of mammalian carnivores through bold thought leadership in system and design thinking, investments in innovation, and entrepreneural approaches to problem-solving. Dr. Giordano is committed to mentorship and building capacity, and to the strategic development and implementation of novel, bold, and effective programs, research, and partnerships around the world.

Dr. Sanjay Molur: For extraordinary contributions to conservation biology by developing species conservation plans for several mammals, and conducting multi-species conservation assessments for medicinal plants, amphibians, reptiles, and more. Dr. Molur has represented species assessment, planning, and conservation in India and South Asia for the International Union for Conservation of Nature on a voluntary basis, establishing protocols for carrying out these activities in the region.

Edward T. LaRoe III Memorial Award: Recognizes individuals who have been leaders in translating principles of conservation biology into real-world conservation.

Dr. Jigme Wangyal Tshelthrim: For extraordinary contributions to the conservation of Bhutan's amphibians and reptiles through pioneering research, citizen science engagement, and mentorship, transforming herpetological knowledge and conservation efforts in the Kingdom. Since 2008, Dr. Tshelthrim has led efforts to document and understand Bhutan's amphibian and reptile biodiversity, single-handedly developing the country's first comprehensive list of herpetofauna.

Early Career Conservationist Award: Recognizes achievements in conservation by professionals early in their careers.

Dr. Monique Sosnowski: For extraordinary contributions to biodiversity through innovative research and education in wildlife crime prevention. Dr. Sosnowski has emerged as a leading figure in the field, seamlessly blending her expertise in crimonology and environmental science to address critical global challenges such as wildlife trafficking and environmental crime.

Watch the 2025 Global Service Award winners give short speeches on their work at ICCB 2025 in Brisbane/Meanjin, Australia on YouTube and Vimeo.