Chris Sutherland

Chris Sutherland is a quantitative ecologist specialising in spatial population ecology. He is particularly interested in understanding how spatial processes such as movement, dispersal, and connectivity, influence the dynamics of spatially structured populations. Most of his research involves the development and application of spatially realistic hierarchical models for observations of individuals, (meta)populations and communities. He works closely with non-academic organisations to support evidence-based decision-making and policy development across a range of systems and species.

Sutherland is a Reader (statistical ecology) at the University of St Andrews in the Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM). Before this, he spent seven years in the USA, first as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Cornell University (2013 - 2015) and then as an Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts - Amherst (2015 - 2020). He completed his PhD at the University of Aberdeen.

Sutherland is an associate editor for Methods in Ecology and Evolution (BES) and the Journal of Applied Ecology (BES); is currently Co-Director of the National Centre for Statistical Ecology; serves on the board of the BES's Quantitative Ecology Special Interest Group; and sits on several governmental advisory boards.