Kristoffer Wild (The University of Melbourne) is the 2025 Mike Bull Award for Early Career Nature Scientists winner.

This award was established with the support of Mike's family and colleagues through the Professor Mike Bull Research Fund for Early Career Nature Scientists, to continue his important legacy in animal behaviour, ecology and conservation research and mentorship of students. The award supports the emerging career of a nature scientist. It includes a medal for academic excellence along with a $3000 grant to support the career of the recipient.

Kristoffer is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Melbourne, specialising in understanding the ecophysiology, ecology, and conservation of arid-zone ectotherms. Kristoffer's research integrates field ecology, physiological experimentation, and advanced biophysical modelling to understand how reptile populations respond to complex environmental changes.

Over the past several years, Kristoffer has developed substantial expertise in collecting and analysing robust field data, particularly focusing on the resilience of arid-zone reptiles to climate variability. These contributions advance reptile ecology and conservation, and Kristoffer's investment in developing the next generation of ecological researchers.

Mike Bull's pioneering research, especially his influential studies on reptile-tick interactions and collection of ecological data, significantly shaped Kristoffer's early academic trajectory. Kristoffer's current research continues Mike Bull's legacy by emphasising rigorous field ecology and long-term datasets while integrating novel biophysical approaches to deepen our understanding of how arid-zone lizards will cope with environmental change. 

Kristoffer hopes that these data will advance our understanding of reptile responses to environmental change and contribute meaningfully to the long-term conservation of Australia's arid-zone fauna, continuing the legacy of Mike Bull's impactful ecological research.