Dr. Robert Poulin is a distinguished evolutionary ecologist renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to the study of parasitic relationships in natural ecosystems. He currently serves as Professor of Zoology at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, where he leads a prominent research group dedicated to unraveling the complex dynamics of host-parasite interactions. Originally from Canada, Poulin completed his bachelor's degree in aquatic biology at McGill University in Montreal before earning his doctorate at Université Laval in Quebec City. His early career as a researcher in Quebec established the foundation for his later work, culminating in his pivotal decision to relocate to New Zealand in 1992 where he has since made significant contributions to the global understanding of parasitism ecology.
Poulin's pioneering research has fundamentally transformed our understanding of how parasites influence ecological communities and evolutionary processes across diverse ecosystems. With an impressive scholarly output exceeding 450 peer-reviewed journal articles and 25 book chapters, his work has established critical frameworks for analyzing parasite biodiversity, host specificity, and the evolutionary consequences of parasitic relationships. His seminal contributions include developing innovative methodologies for studying parasite-mediated competition and the role of parasites in shaping community structure, which have become standard approaches in the field. This extensive body of work has not only advanced theoretical understanding but has also provided practical applications in conservation biology and disease management, influencing research directions worldwide. The exceptional impact of his scholarship is reflected in his numerous citations and the naming of several parasite species in his honor, including the North African tortoise pinworm Tachygonetria poulini and the New Zealand parasitic fluke Maritrema poulini.
Beyond his research achievements, Professor Poulin has played a pivotal role in mentoring the next generation of evolutionary ecologists and fostering international collaborations that have strengthened the global parasitology research community. His leadership was formally recognized when he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand in 2001, an honor reflecting his substantial contributions to advancing scientific knowledge in the region. Throughout his distinguished career, he has received numerous prestigious accolades including the New Zealand Association of Scientists' Research Medal, the James Cook Research Fellowship, and the Hutton Medal of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Currently, Poulin continues to push the boundaries of parasitism research, investigating emerging questions about how climate change affects host-parasite interactions and the implications for ecosystem health, ensuring his work remains at the forefront of ecological science with lasting relevance for understanding biodiversity in a changing world.
