On Friday 8 May Sir David Attenborough, whose documentaries on the natural world have ‌been watched by hundreds of millions, is turning 100.

University of Sydney researchers reflect on how Attenborough’s work has inspired them along with generations of researchers, scientists, science communicators and students.

Professor Peter Banks from the School of Life and Environmental Sciences said Attenborough is consistently a major inspiration among students studying conservation and ecology.   

“I teach science students doing their first conservation unit at university and ask them in the first lecture who inspired them to pursue a career in conservation. Every year, Sir David Attenborough is the number one inspiration by far,” he said.

“He was my inspiration and my son’s too.

“What makes him so unique among nature presenters is that he doesn’t dumb down the science or hide an understanding of the way the natural world works. It’s this understanding that makes us connect and then want to conserve. And he isn’t just about the cute and cuddly - all aspects of nature get equal treatment as the essential elements of life on Earth. 

“Although some criticised him for not solely focusing on human impacts on nature, it’s clear his deliberate approach to tell the story of the natural world has inspired generations to fight to protect it - more than anyone else.”  

Professor Banks is a conservation biologist. In 2024 his team won the Eureka Prize for Environmental research. 

Dr Bing Lin is a marine scientist at the University of Sydney's Thriving Oceans Research Hub studying coral reef ecology and conservation. He is also an award-winning photojournalist.  

“Sir David Attenborough gave me the world twice: first as wonder, then as warning,” Dr Lin said. 

“Through him, I learned to see the menagerie of life on Earth as something astonishingly beautiful and improbable, yet precarious and fleeting.

“Happy 100th birthday to one of the formative voices that got me into science and continues to shape what I get out of it.” 

For Dr Catherine Price, an expert in behavioural ecology and conservation, Attenborough embodies a curiosity and wonder for the natural world that’s contagious.

“Attenborough conveys to his viewers an obligation to care about all of nature - not just the charismatic species like gorillas, but also the small and often overlooked, like worms and fungi,” she said.

“For me, he consistently spoke of the interconnectedness of ecological systems, of their resilience but also their fragility. I love that he has always made the case that it matters that we understand, care for and protect Life on Earth, no matter where or what it is.”

Professor Carolyn Hogg, who studies conservation management in Australia for species such as Tasmanian devils, orange-bellied parrots, koalas, bilbies, and woylies and is co-lead of the Australasian Wildlife Genomics Group, said Attenborough has inspired multiple generations all over the world to open their eyes and see nature for all its wonderous beauty.

“From the smallest ant to the largest trees, from the highest mountain to the deepest sea. Sir David recognises that humans are part of the planet and must live sustainably with it for all our survival.”

Many scientists shared fond childhood memories of watching documentaries presented by Attenborough, which had a profound influence on their choice to study a career in ecology or conservation research, from animals living in urban ecosystems to rewilding.

Dr Patrick Finnerty, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Conservation and Wildlife Management said Attenborough was a master science storyteller.

“Like many people I grew up watching Attenborough endlessly as a child, which had a huge influence on me.

“What stood out to me was the way his storytelling evolved over time – from showcasing the natural world to increasingly highlighting its fragility and decline. That shift had a huge influence on me and was a driver for pursuing a career in conservation ecology.

“Ultimately, conservation depends on people caring, and people can’t care about what they don’t know or can’t see.

“Attenborough brings distant ecosystems and environmental challenges into living rooms around the world in a way very few scientists or communicators are ever able to.

“I think there’s a lot for academics to learn from his storytelling – particularly how to turn complex research into something tangible, emotional, and accessible, rather than keeping it confined to scientific papers.”

Professor Dieter Hochuli, head of Integrative Ecology group said:

“I don’t think there’s an ecologist out there who hasn’t been touched and inspired by Sir David’s work. For the research field, he remains an inspiration for so many people.

“He also highlights the threats to the planet's natural legacy in an honest way without promoting a sense of doom. That’s not easy to do.

“Sir David reminds me of the privileged position we are in as biologists and how taking the chance to share our knowledge with different audiences is something we shouldn’t take for granted.”

Professor Mathew Crowther is a researcher in wildlife ecology evolution with a focus on koalas, dingoes and rodents. This includes using technology to detect and predict eucalyptus tree species favoured by koalas, to helping ecologists find the best habitats for the animal.

“Sir David Attenborough’s ability to communicate the beauty, complexity and fragility of the natural world fundamentally shapes how many of us view ecology and conservation. His work inspired my own interest in wildlife and environmental science and also helps bring conservation into the public consciousness in a way few others ever have.

“Through extraordinary storytelling and decades of dedication, he has connected millions of people to nature and reminded us why protecting biodiversity matters.”

Dr Ros Gloag says said Attenborough’s documentaries supercharged an interested in nature and lead her to study insect ecology at the Aola Richards Insect Hub at the University of Sydney.

"Attenborough’s impact on people's attitude towards nature has been profound. It’s impossible to watch an Attenborough documentary and not feel a sense of awe for the natural world, plus a desire to protect it. Like so many others, I faithfully watched every episode of Trials of Life when it was on TV during my school years and it helped supercharge my interest in animals and animal behaviour. Happy birthday Sir David!"

Wildlife management researcher Professor Catherine Herbert said she cannot think of another person who has a greater reach in educating the public about the natural world.

“There is surely no better example of the impact a person can have by making science engaging and accessible, inspiring multiple generations of nature enthusiasts and future scientists.

“Sir David is a great reminder that impact extends beyond traditional academic metrics. His work has inspired my approach to wildlife conservation education - the power of telling an engaging story to promote learning and understanding and inspire future generations of wildlife biologists.” 

Dr Aaron Greenville, who studies how ecosystems respond to climate change and the introduction of exotic species said:

“Sir David Attenborough’s documentaries were a constant presence in my childhood. Together with experiences in the Australian bush, they inspired my own adventures and set me on a path toward research and teaching in ecology.”

Main image: David Parry / AAP