Charles Birch

Louis Charles Birch (1918–2009) was a distinguished Australian biologist and theologian. His pioneering work had a profound influence on both scientific and philosophical thought.

Birch served as Challis Professor of Biology at the University of Sydney for 25 years, and had visiting professorships at the University of California, Berkeley; and University of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

As a geneticist, he specialised in population ecology. Birch significantly advanced the understanding of how weather disturbances influence animal populations and their distribution. His book ''The Distribution and Abundance of Animals'' (co-authored with Herbert G. (Andy) Andrewartha), became foundational in ecology. It influenced generations of ecologists by shifting focus toward external environmental factors in population dynamics.

Birch was also well known as a theologian, writing widely on the topic of science and religion, becoming the first Australian to be awarded the Templeton Prize in 1990 for progress in religion. The prize recognised his work ascribing intrinsic value to all life.

He held fellowship of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Australian Academy of Science, the Ecological Society of America, the British Ecological Society (the oldest Learned Society for ecologists in the world); and membership of the Club of Rome and the World Council of Churches.

Birch authored or co-authored some 18 books, 60 scientific articles; and some 85 articles related to issues of philosophy and religion. Provided by Wikipedia