We are delighted that Dr Sophus zu Ermgassen has been listed as one of 100 UK environmental professionals who have made the greatest impact in the past two years. The ENDS Power List recognises individuals who are delivering positive change.
Sophus is listed in the Academics category for his work on biodiversity finance, nature-positive organisations, infrastructure sustainability, sustainable finance, biodiversity offsetting, and ecological economics.
He has worked to raise awareness of the outcomes of environmental policy in England, helped to shape nature markets in the EU, been an expert advisor to the International Advisory Panel on Biodiversity Credits, and co-hosted diplomatic events with representatives from the Chinese government, sharing insights that will help to shape the development of nature markets from Beijing.
One nominator sees his work as “highly influential in shaping environmental policy not just domestically, but also globally”.
He is, they add, “utterly committed” to supporting the next generation of rising stars, providing “exceptional support, guidance, and opportunities to the early-career researchers in his group, fostering a supportive and inclusive research environment”.
Sophus says:
“I’m really delighted to be named on the ENDS Power List this year representing the biodiversity finance work of the Department of Biology’s Nature-positive Hub.
This award is shared with our whole team who have been committing hugely to policy engagement and public communications, including Dr Natalie Duffus for their work on BNG and preventing the losses of demand from the BNG market resulting from the government’s small-sites consultation, Dr Alice Stuart and Dr Tom White for their work on the Environmental Delivery Plans for the Nature Restoration Fund, Harrison Carter for his public engagement work on biodiversity finance, and as always the Directors of the Nature-positive Hub Prof Dame EJ Milner-Gulland and Prof Joe Bull who have created the most amazing culture and support systems to make this all possible.”
To read more about Sophus’s work and nomination, visit: https://www.endsreport.com/article/1957483/power-list-2026-sophus-zu-ermgassen
