José Sarukhán Kermez facts for kids

José Sarukhán Kermez (born 15 July 1940) is a famous Mexican scientist. He is a plant biologist and an ecologist. This means he studies plants and how living things interact with their environment.

Dr. Sarukhán is currently the National Coordinator for Mexico’s National Commission for Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity, known as CONABIO. This important group helps protect Mexico's amazing variety of plants and animals.

He studied at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), earning a Bachelor's degree. He then got his Master's degree from Postgraduate College and a Ph.D. (a high-level university degree) in Ecology from the University of Wales.

Dr. Sarukhán is an expert in the biodiversity of Mexico. He is very interested in how plants live in groups, especially in tropical areas. He also cares about how we can use nature without harming it, which is called sustainable development. Training and education are also very important to him. He has written many research papers and books.

A Career in Science and Education

José Sarukhán has had a long and impactful career. From 1979 to 1996, he was the director of the Biology Institute at UNAM. This is a big research center where scientists study living things.

In 1987, he became the Vice Chancellor for Science at UNAM. Then, from 1989 to 1997, he served as the Rector (President) of the university. Being a Rector is like being the principal of a very large school, but for a whole university!

Since 1988, he has been a professor in the Institute of Ecology at UNAM. He is now an "emeritus" professor, which means he has retired but is still highly respected.

Leading Ecological Research

Dr. Sarukhán was key in building Mexico's main ecological research group. He also helped create the Ecology Institute at UNAM. This institute has many researchers and has helped train over 160 students to get their Ph.D. degrees. He also helped start the Ecology Center in Morelia, Michoacán (CIECO).

He has led many important scientific groups. He was president of the Botanical Society of Mexico and the Mexican Academy of Sciences. He also led the Association for Tropical Biology and the Latin American Union of Universities.

Protecting Mexico's Nature

One of his biggest achievements was helping to create the National Commission on Biodiversity of México (CONABIO). He was appointed as its National Coordinator in 1992. CONABIO works to understand and protect Mexico's incredible natural resources.

From 2000 to 2002, he also worked for the Mexican government. He was a Commissioner in the Social and Human Development Cabinet.

Awards and Recognition

José Sarukhán has been recognized by many important groups around the world. He is a Fellow of societies like the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, and the Royal Society in the UK. Being a Fellow means you are a highly respected member of that group.

Nine universities have given him "honorary doctorates." This is a special award given to people who have achieved great things, even if they didn't study at that specific university.

In 2017, he received the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement. This is a very important award for people who do great work to protect the environment. In 2016, he also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Champions of the Earth. This award celebrates people who have made a lasting difference in protecting our planet.