Biologist & Science
Auke-Florian speaks about sustainability, biodiversity, and (urban) nature, doing so with wonder, humor, and enthusiasm. He regularly engages with the media, interprets nature news, presents children's programs, and participates in talk shows.
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Biologist and author Auke-Florian Hiemstra is available for keynotes, lectures, and theater classes on sustainability, biodiversity, and (urban) nature. He investigates how animals live in the age of humans and shares his findings with wonder, humor, and enthusiasm. As a TV biologist, Auke-Florian frequently interacts with the media, interprets nature news, presents children’s programs, and joins talk shows.
In his lectures, he takes the audience into the unexpected world of urban nature. Many birds now build their nests from plastic and other litter. Auke-Florian researches these modern constructions at Naturalis Biodiversity Center, and his discoveries often make headlines around the world, from National Geographic and The Guardian to BBC and CNN. They tell the story of humanity’s impact, but also about the adaptability and creativity of nature. His most bizarre discovery, ‘bird nests made from anti-bird spikes’ (yes, you read that right), even earned him a full page in The New York Times! His stories are funny and thought-provoking, encouraging you to see the city with new eyes! What can we learn from birds about sustainability, perseverance, and adaptability?
After this story, you will never walk through the city the same way again!
Auke-Florian’s performances are energetic and interactive. The animals that play a central role in his stories travel with him in preserved form: a mini-exhibition that brings every stage to life. This way, the audience truly comes face to face with urban nature. Auke-Florian’s lectures are tailored, featuring local examples, and are inspiring for a wide audience. Stories about sustainability, without leaving you feeling gloomy, but rather hopeful!
He also moderates events focused on science, sustainability, or nature. He presented the program in the science tent at Lowlands and interviewed Jane Goodall at De Balie.
Auke-Florian’s book on urban nature made the bestseller list, was recommended by AD as ‘the best book of Children’s Book Week,’ and as Jochem Myjer reveals on the back cover: “I am a fan!” He has repeatedly appeared in the prestigious Trouw Sustainable Top 100, won the NWO Communication Initiative Award, and produced several episodes of Klokhuis. Auke-Florian is also an ambassador for the Jane Goodall Institute and is part of Jane’s Circle of Hope, a small group of individuals who follow in Jane Goodall’s footsteps to continue her message of hope and inspire others to commit to humanity, animals, and nature.
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In this lecture, Auke-Florian Hiemstra takes you on a safari in the city. Because wherever you live or work, there is much more nature to be found than you think. We meet starlings that make trains depart, seagulls that do their own shopping, and unknown city dwellers including the Chinese mitten crab which (for those who dare!) can be petted afterwards! After this story, you will never walk through the city in the same way again, and during lunch breaks, you will be amazed!
A surprising lecture on sustainability! Because by looking at bird nests, Auke-Florian sees the world around him changing. He researches the nests of today: bird nests made from litter and plastic, from sunglasses to face masks. A lecture about the impact of humans, but also about adaptability and the creativity of nature. What story do these nests tell, and what can we learn from birds? Auke-Florian takes you through his most remarkable nests, each of which made the world press. Amazement guaranteed!
In this story full of humour, Auke-Florian zooms in on his most iconic discovery: ‘bird nests made from anti-bird spikes.’ Nests made from as many as 1500 metal spikes, intended to deter birds. “They are outsmarting us” headlined The New York Times. “The perfect revenge,” according to National Geographic. And as The Atlantic wrote: “The most metal bird nests you’ll ever see.” A story full of surprising observations, about innovation and creativity. A motivational lecture about rebelliousness, seizing opportunities, and thinking outside the box!
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With his lectures, Auke-Florian can be booked for adults, young people and children alike. He switches effortlessly between giving lectures at university, joining a talk show and appearing on children’s programmes such as Jeugdjournaal and Klokhuis.
Anything but! With plenty of humour, Auke-Florian tells an energetic story that gives hope!
Oh, certainly! Cities are a hotspot of biodiversity, buzzing with life. Cities often contain even more biodiversity than the area surrounding them. Auke-Florian takes you on an urban safari!
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