Rate My Professor Bruce Clarkson

Professor Bruce Clarkson is a Professor of Restoration Ecology in the School of Science at the University of Waikato. He holds a BSc, an MSc with First Class Honours, and a DPhil. Clarkson has served as a professor at the University since 2000 and was Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research from 2015 to 2019. He currently leads the MBIE-funded research programme People, Cities and Nature, which focuses on restoring indigenous nature in urban environments. His research specializations include ecological restoration, plant ecology, botany, urban ecology, vegetation succession, restoration planting, and habitat reconstruction. Clarkson is recognised as one of New Zealand’s foremost authorities on ecological restoration and has received the ONZM for his contributions. He has authored or co-authored numerous publications, including the book Restoring Waikato’s Indigenous Biodiversity: Ecological Priorities and Opportunities, and maintains a strong publication record with thousands of citations. Clarkson has held roles such as Regional Director for the Pacific on the Society for Ecological Restoration Board of Directors and has contributed to public lectures and research programmes on biodiversity and urban restoration.

His work emphasises practical applications in restoring New Zealand’s indigenous biodiversity, drawing on over 40 years of experience as an environmental scientist. Clarkson continues to influence the field through leadership in major research initiatives and academic appointments at the University of Waikato.