The Founders’ Prize is awarded annually to an outstanding early-career ecologist who is making a significant contribution to the field.
Dr. Simpson is recognised for her research into the ecology of plant-fire interactions—exploring both how plants have been shaped by fire over millions of years and, in turn, how they act as fuel to influence fire behaviour.
Her work is primarily concentrated on savannas, which are experiencing a decline in fire due to climate and land-use change. This is transforming plant communities, shifting the balance from grasses to woody plants, with profound implications for the biodiversity of these regions and essential resources they provide for the millions of people.
Kimberley’s current work leverages this ecological understanding to inform nature-based climate solutions. A primary objective is to determine how savanna landscapes can be managed to maximise their carbon storage without compromising their benefits to people and nature. Beyond her research, she also actively engages in policy, having authored an evidence review for Natural England on fire-adaptation in UK native plants.
“Receiving this award is a real honour, and on a personal level, a huge confidence boost! Academia can be challenging, and like many, I often grapple with imposter syndrome. Recently, balancing the pressures of research while raising a young family has made that feeling particularly acute. To receive this award now is a much-needed reminder that I must be on the right track!”
Dr. Simpson added “This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes from the BES—an institution that has been hugely important to my academic journey. The award is a great motivation to keep pushing my research forward and to give back to the ecological community that has supported me.”
The British Ecological Society, founded in 1913, is the oldest ecological society in the world. It is also one of the largest, comprising a global network of over 8,000 members from more than 90 nationalities. The Founders’ Prize commemorates the enthusiasm, vision, and commitment of the Society's founders to the advancement of ecological science.
Full list of 2025 BES Award Winners:
- Honorary Membership: Nina Buchmann, ETH Zurich and Ben Sheldon, University of Oxford
- President’s Medal: Lynne Boddy, Cardiff University
- Founders’ Prize: Kimberley Simpson, University of Sheffield
- Marsh Award for Ecology: Henrik Smith, University of Lund
- Marsh Award for Climate Change Research: Dan Smale, Marine Biological Association
- Marsh Award for Ecologists in Africa: Etotepe Sogbohossou, University of Senghor
- BES Award: Charles Fox, University of Kentucky
- Ecological Engagement Award: Niru Dorrian, Senior Offshore Ecologist at ESB, Dublin
- Equality and Diversity Champion: Bala Chaudhary, Dartmouth College
- Marsh Book of the Year Award: Christopher Wills for Why Ecosystems Matter