Dr Wan takes field notes while conducting her daytime research in a mangrove forest in Pahang, Malaysia
Dr Wan Faridah Akmal Jusoh has been named one of the 2025 Explorers Club 50 (EC50) honorees, joining an elite group of individuals recognised for their contributions to scientific exploration and discovery. This accolade places Dr Wan among 50 extraordinary people worldwide who are pushing the boundaries of knowledge in ways the world needs to know about.
The Explorers Club, founded in 1904 and headquartered in New York, has long been at the forefront of championing scientific expeditions and groundbreaking research. Its members have achieved historic milestones, including being the first to reach the North and South Poles, summit Mount Everest, dive to the deepest point in the ocean, and even walk on the Moon. In recent years, the EC50 program has broadened the traditional definition of exploration, recognising individuals from diverse disciplines driving change in their respective fields.
Dr Wan and her students identify a firefly at Genting Tea Estate in Pahang, Malaysia.
Dr Wan, a Senior Lecturer in Biodiversity and Conservation, and the Bachelor of Science (Honours) Program Director at Monash University Malaysia's School of Science, has dedicated her career to unravelling the intricate history of ecosystems and biodiversity. Her research spans multiple domains, from studying the mesmerising flashing fireflies of Southeast Asia to reconstructing historical timelines of species and environmental changes. At the heart of her work are three fundamental questions: what species once existed, what has been lost, and what must be protected for future generations?
Her innovative approach integrates field research, laboratory analysis, museum collections, archival materials, and historical records to build a comprehensive species database. Dr Wan's research provides vital insights into conservation strategies that can help safeguard the natural world in an era of rapid environmental change.
Speaking about this recognition, Dr Wan expressed her gratitude for being included in the 2025 EC50 cohort. "As an EC50 honouree, I am truly grateful for this recognition. It underscores the vital role of taxonomy and conservation – we cannot protect what we cannot identify. In a rapidly changing world, I’m committed to sharing the stories of our species and ecosystems to inspire appreciation for our natural heritage. Together, I believe we can overcome barriers of ignorance and cultivate a collective passion for conservation," she said.
The EC50 program was conceived in 2020 to celebrate individuals from all corners of the globe who are reshaping the landscape of exploration. Now in its fifth year, the initiative has honoured over 250 visionaries across more than 55 countries. Honorees were recognised in five categories: Advocates, Alchemists, Guardians, Innovators, and Storytellers.
Dr Wan was recognised in the Guardians category, which honours individuals committed to protecting cultures, communities and the environment. This category acknowledges individuals who work tirelessly to protect what is invaluable, whether it be biodiversity, heritage, or vulnerable populations.
Checking the coordinates of the mangrove firefly habitat in Perak, Malaysia.
"The Explorers Club continues to expand the definition of an explorer, moving beyond the archetypal adventurer to include those who interpret the world through art, music, and culinary expression, and this is nowhere more evident than in our groundbreaking EC50 program," said Richard Wiese, President-elect of The Explorers Club and EC50 Co-Chair. "Our focus is to nurture the next generation of explorers, and we are dedicated to creating an environment that fosters curiosity, boldness, and innovation. The torch of exploration we pass is a symbol of hope and guidance for those destined to redefine the known boundaries of our world."
As part of the EC50 class of 2025, Dr Wan will receive a five-year membership to The Explorers Club, access to a global network of pioneering researchers and explorers, and opportunities to share her work on an international stage. The initiative, supported by Rolex under its Perpetual Planet Initiative, seeks to amplify the voices of changemakers and inspire the next generation of explorers.
Dr Wan's recognition is a testament to her unwavering commitment to biodiversity research and conservation. Her work underscores the importance of looking to the past to inform the future—an approach that is more crucial than ever as the world grapples with environmental challenges.
For more information on The Explorers Club 50, visit 50.explorers.org.
