Q&A with Dr George McGavin
Dr George C. McGavin is an author, lecturer, television presenter and explorer. He is an Honorary Research Associate at the world famous Oxford University Museum of Natural History and The Department of Zoology of Oxford University. He is also Visiting Professor of Entomology at the University of Derby. George studied Zoology at Edinburgh University before completing a doctorate at the British Museum of Natural History and Imperial College, London.
Acknowledged as an engaging and entertaining speaker, George regularly speaks to audiences about insects, ecology, evolution, conservation and exploration. Another aspect of his work is his contribution to the Schools Programme for the Royal Institution. Recently, he has been reaching mass audiences with his appearances on the popular BBC TV series Lost Land of the Jaguar.
What sparked your interest in zoology and at what age did it begin?
I was interested in the world around me from as early as I can remember - and to me the world meant animals and plants. As a kid I spent lots of time at the Royal Scottish Museum and we always had family holidays on the West Coast of Scotland, so there was plenty of seashore life to examine.
Do you think it's important to get children involved in the natural world and do you think people are losing touch with nature to some extent?
Yes on both counts! It is absolutely vital to get kids turned on to nature. Young children are naturally curious about everything but as they get older there is so much else to take up their time. People don't seem to have the time to get out and about and really observe stuff anymore - don't forget natural history is not just on your TV screen - it's out there. There is more sex and violence happening in your garden than on any channel after the 9 o'clock watershed.
What fascinates you about insects in particular?
Insects make the world go round - they are vital for our survival and that of countless other species. They are the most abundant and diverse multi-cellular life form on the planet and we can use them to study everything from molecular biology and genetics to ecology and engineering. We probably know only about a tenth of the total insect fauna and anyone could make an interesting discovery or observation.
Which part of your work do you enjoy the most?
Outreach and education is very important and I really enjoy doing it. One of the reasons I left my post at Oxford University after 25 years as an academic was the realization that when I gave a tutorial I had an audience of up to four, but when I do a bit of television I might get an audience of four million.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievements in the world of science?
I hope I have inspired and encouraged others to follow a scientific career.
You are an honorary research associate at Oxford University Museum of Natural History - what does that involve?
When I left my post in February this year they made me an Honorary Research Associate, which means I still have a link to the museum and can still access Oxford's superb libraries and collections.
What have been your most memorable expeditions and do you have a favourite place on the planet?
That's a difficult question - anywhere as long as it is unspoiled. Rainforests are fantastic places but I really love the savannas of East Africa.
Which projects are you involved in at present and do you have any other television appearances in the pipeline?
I am filming several items for The One Show on BBC1 and then I am off to film another expedition series for the BBC/Discovery early in 2009. This time we are going to explore some remote parts of the highlands in Papua New Guinea.
Where do you live?
Abingdon in Oxfordshire, but I plan to move to somewhere with more insects and preferably near the sea.