DoctorSimon Pollard

As an Adjunct Fellow (Adjunct Professor of Science Communication) in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Canterbury, I divide my time between science communication, natural history writing, and my long‑standing research interest in spiders and other invertebrates. My appointment at UC began in April 2024, and it complements my work as Curator of Invertebrate Zoology at Canterbury Museum, where I explore the remarkable behaviours and ecology of arachnids and insects. 

I have written numerous natural‑history books for children, several of which have received major awards, including the LIANZA Elsie Locke Award for Non‑Fiction. My recent titles, The Incredible Insects of Aotearoa (2025) and Why Is That Spider Dancing? (2021), reflect my passion for making the natural world exciting and accessible to young readers.

I also serve as a science advisor and scriptwriter for natural history documentaries, including BBC’s Planet Earth and The Hunt, helping bring stories of extraordinary species to global audiences.