British Ornithologists Union: Janet Kear Union Medal

Steve P. Dudley Over the last 25 years, there have been seven Presidents captaining BOU ship but for whole period we had same pilot, Dudley. He has steered with exceptional skill and enthusiasm, making sure that Union delivers its members, despite encountering some choppy waters odd iceberg. In July 2022, retired was unanimous approval from Council when he proposed as 2023 recipient of Janet Kear Medal. The reward recognizes his outstanding service to BOU, remarkable contribution community serves. appointed Administrator by then President, John Croxall, Gwen Bonham gave notice retire back in 1997. His first act new role ask stay on, help him while tackled issues faced, they worked together brilliantly several years. It one many shrewd decisions made, on behalf shall discuss later. took up birdwatching at age 17 a full-time Royal Society Protection Birds (RSPB) volunteer warden Fairburn Ings within year, before being Summer Assistant Warden undertaking other short-term contracts RSPB. 1987 moved British Trust Ornithology (BTO), initially volunteer, soon joined Ringing Unit Trust's Membership Development Officer 1991. left 1995 work Leica remained member their Optical Innovation Team until 2010, 13 years after leaving employ take role. All these links, RSPB, BTO, vast network birdwatchers optics served well over time latterly Chief Operating Officer. Freelance writer, tour guide, all helped maintain Steve's connection broad ornithological community, which also benefited BOU. Picking out highlights is hard. We know ran fantastic conferences excellently BOU's committees what happening behind scenes? Why so very deserving this medal? Twenty-five ago, finances were not great. Two deals negotiated changed that; move IBIS Blackwell Publishing (now Wiley) digitisation back-catalogue journal. can only support ornithologists, ornithology, grants bursaries because income received during early part century. Reserves built sales, among sources, are still helping great work. always tremendous communicator innovator, keeping touch latest developments social media. identified potential Twitter ownership #ornithology tag anyone else really grasped hashtag was. This enabled be forefront online reputation further developed via @IBIS_journal account, tutorials, workshops papers. Another major achievement running dramatic increase engagement career researchers (ECRs). Societies sometimes seem remote those entering into careers such ornithology and, 2000s, an structure increasingly skewed towards older, established members. Recognizing huge importance connecting set about organizing lines communication find ECRs knew about, might want from, These conversations revealed deep desire wider tirelessly make relevance members ages stages apparent, engaging informative fun. Being warm welcoming society everyone core Steve, develop encourage our equality, diversity inclusivity will lasting legacy. hard developing presence media associated opportunities something hero status ECRs, witnessed attending International Ornithological Congress Vancouver 2018. stand consistently busiest, people world wanted meet person, (of course) made occupied best location entire building, terms visibility passing delegates. few COO, particularly pleased proud two research funding opportunities; & Pat Warham Brenda Tony Gibbs scholarships. awards, funded through generous legacies resulted suite exciting studies cohort PhD across connected stewardship enthusiastic encouragement awardees, ensured Warhams' Gibbs' wonderful legacy community. At end 25-years, signed off acts ensure continues flourish. hand-over Leila Walker exemplary negotiation contract Wiley us 2027. builds excellent relationship decades. owes debt gratitude done bring on-line person friendly hub Medal fitting tribute service.