Steve Ormerod - Head of Ecosystem Impacts
Professor Steve Ormerod is an internationally recognised freshwater ecologist and Professor of Ecology at Cardiff University. With more than four decades of research experience, he specialises in river ecosystems, freshwater biodiversity and the impacts of environmental change and pollution. His work has contributed significantly to scientific understanding and environmental policy, particularly in relation to water quality, agricultural pollution and ecosystem protection. Alongside his academic career, he has held senior leadership roles with Natural Resources Wales and the RSPB. His research continues to provide important evidence for protecting freshwater environments and addressing emerging environmental challenges across the UK and internationally.
Profile
Professor Ormerod has published more than 330 scientific papers investigating freshwater ecology, biodiversity, climate change and environmental contaminants. His research combines field investigations, long-term ecological monitoring and applied environmental science to understand pressures on river ecosystems.
He previously served as Deputy Chair of Natural Resources Wales and Chair of the RSPB, where he contributed to environmental governance, conservation strategy and policy development.
He is currently an RSPB Vice-President.
His recent work includes investigating pesticide and veterinary pharmaceutical contamination in Welsh rivers, helping to establish the evidence needed to understand ecological risks and inform practical approaches to pollution prevention and freshwater protection.