Chrishen Gomez, 2019 Merdeka Award Grant Recipient
(Photo source: Giphy)
Chrishen Gomez recently completed his PhD at Oxford University and is no stranger when it comes to leading important work to protect Borneo’s rare carnivores — including the Sunda clouded leopard.
As head of the Bornean Carnivore Programme, Chrishen is unlocking secrets of 24 wild carnivore species in Sabah, using infrared cameras and genetic analysis to reveal how they survive and adapt in fast-changing habitats.
Chrishen’s long-term goal? 🔬 Build a genetic database that tracks species health and resilience 📊 Develop AI driven national biodiversity monitoring surveillance 🌏 Strengthen local capacity by working with young researchers and indigenous communities
His work reminds us that conservation isn’t just about protecting wildlife — it’s about understanding it deeply and acting before it’s too late.
Chrishen received the Merdeka Award Grant for International Attachment in 2019 to Brown University, USA.
