John ALLCOCK

I've always been fascinated by wildlife - there is a story that the very first word I said was 'sparrow', while watching the birds on our neighbours roof just outside London. As I grew up, I spent a lot of my time watching birds, but also developed a strong interest in bats. By the time I started my Master's degree, I had decided that I wanted to do a PhD researching bats to find out more about these interesting but secretive animals.

But life isn't always a straight line, and after graduation my career took me in a different direction, not only bringing me to Hong Kong but also leading me into ecological consultancy and then a role as manager of Mai Po Nature Reserve. Eventually I made my way to HKU, where I am finally starting that long-planned PhD, studying bats. Never give up on your dreams!

Outside the university, I spend a lot of my time exploring the beautiful Hong Kong countryside, looking for birds, bats or any of the other amazing wildlife we have here. I am always keen to nurture an environmental interest among other people and I am big supporter of community science projects. I think that awareness and involvement of the public is essential if we are going to protect biodiversity for future generations.