Dr Philippe J. R. Kok is a Belgian field biologist, a herpetologist and an evolutionary biologist. He was born in 1970 in Congo. He spent more than 900 days in the field leading dozens Indiana Jones-style expeditions in the remotest regions of the world, from the tropical jungles to the highest tepui (sandstone tabletop mountains) summits, the famous “Lost World” of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The overarching objective of his current research is to understand how environmentally hostile naturally fragmented paleosurfaces may have driven/altered the evolutionary trajectories of vertebrates.
What inspired you to become a scientist?
Since I was a kid, I have always been very curious trying to better understand the world around me, and especially why animals are as they are. I like to think that the natural world itself is my inspiration.
What impact does your work have on the surrounding reality?
I am glad when I see that my work helps conservation efforts. As Regional Chairperson of the Guyana Shield Amphibian Specialist Group (The International Union for Conservation of Nature), I provide advice to develop policies and guidelines for amphibian species conservation planning.
How do you understand the term: profession of a scientist?
Being a scientist is not a "normal" job, it does not start at 8 am to end at 5 pm, it is with you (I almost wrote "it haunts you") 24h, weekends and sometimes nights included. It is more a mindset and a lifestyle than a profession to me.
NOTE!
Next Tuesday, on 23 May 2023 at 10:00 a.m., in the Assembly Hall of Building A, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection of the University of Lodz, as part of the "Science Inspires" series, an open lecture by Dr Philippe Kok entitled: Life on the Edge – a journey into the biology of a Lost World will be held. More information about the event.
More information about Dr Philippe Kok’s work:
A new professor at the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, UL
UL Biologist will examine ‘houses of gods’ thanks to SONATA NCN competition!
Source: Dr Philippe Kok (Faculty of Bilolgy and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz)
Edit: Michał Gruda (Communications and PR Centre, University of Lodz)
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