Dr. George McGavin is a British entomologist, naturalist, and author renowned for his expertise in insects and the natural world. He is best known for his book The Good Bug (2024) and for being a prominent figure on television and radio, where he educates the public about ecology and conservation.
McGavin was born in Edinburgh and attended Daniel Stewart's College. He studied Zoology at the University of Edinburgh (1971–1975) and earned a PhD in entomology from Imperial College, London.
His academic career spanned over 30 years at the University of Oxford, where he taught and researched. McGavin is an Honorary Research Associate at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the Department of Zoology at Oxford University. He also serves as a visiting professor of entomology at the University of Derby.
McGavin's career in entomology has taken him to various parts of the world, from the tropical forests of Papua New Guinea to the caves of Thailand, and from the jungles of Belize to the savannahs of Tanzania. He has several insect species named in his honor, reflecting his significant contributions to the field.
In addition to writing numerous books, McGavin is an inspiring speaker on insects, ecology, evolution, and exploration. His work extends beyond academia to the public sphere, where he is widely recognized as a regular contributor to the BBC One Show.
McGavin has also presented and consulted on several television programs, including The Secret Life of Landfill: A Rubbish History and the award-winning documentary After Life: The Strange Science of Decay.
McGavin's latest book, The Good Bug (2024), is a beautifully illustrated celebration of insects, highlighting their pivotal role in our ecosystems and what we can do to help them survive. "Insects are fascinating and ingenious," McGavin writes. "They play an incredibly important role in maintaining life on planet Earth, yet they are under threat because of us."
Throughout his career, McGavin has received several honors and titles. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, the Linnean Society, and an Honorary Fellow of the Society of Biology. He is also an Honorary Life Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society and is a patron of the Alderney Wildlife Trust and the Bees, Wasps, and Ants Recording Group.
Photo credit: www.georgemcgavin.com
