![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.sun.ac.za\/antarcticlegacy\/files\/2025\/03\/nico_marion_bouvet.jpg\")
<\/a>Prof. de Bruyn began his research journey in 2001, focusing on large mammal ecology. His MSc investigated the diet of Cape fur seals off Namibia, while his PhD delved into the population demographics of southern elephant seals at Marion Island. He conducted two year-long expeditions to Marion Island and participated in several shorter missions to other Antarctic and sub-Antarctic islands. Read more at marionseals.com<\/a><\/p>\nProf. de Bruyn resigned from his position as Full Professor at the University of Pretoria (UP) on 28 February 2025 after 15-years as a full time academic, and an astounding 9900 days (>27 years) since he first set foot on that campus as an undergraduate student. He has accepted the positions of Director for the Global Center for Species Survival, and Vice-President of Conservation and Education at the renowned Indianapolis Zoo in the USA (https:\/\/www.indianapoliszoo.com\/gcss\/<\/a>). He will remain an Extraordinary Professor with the Mammal Research Institute at UP.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.sun.ac.za\/antarcticlegacy\/files\/2025\/03\/pain_nico_chris_marthan.jpg\")
<\/a>As the Principal Investigator of the Marion Island Marine Mammal Programme (MIMMP), Prof. de Bruyn led a multidisciplinary team dedicated to long-term monitoring and research of marine mammals. Pinniped research started by Prof Marth\u00e1n Bester more than four decades ago was continued and expanded for the past two decades under Prof. de Bruyn\u2019s guidance becoming known as the MIMMP. The MIMMP became a cornerstone of South Africa’s contributions to polar science, focusing on species such as elephant seals, fur seals, and killer whales. Capturing much of the MIMMP (and cat eradication programme) legacy, Prof. de Bruyn initiated a book \u201cPains Forms the Character<\/a>\u201d, dedicated to Marth\u00e1n Bester in 2015 and compiled it together with Dr Chris Oosthuizen.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.sun.ac.za\/antarcticlegacy\/files\/2025\/03\/nico_colleagues.jpg\")
<\/a>His research interests include understanding the major drivers of demographic changes in mammalian populations and studying individual heterogeneity. He is particularly interested in the interactions between killer whales and seals in the Southern Ocean and how these interactions influence population structures. Click here<\/a> to see a reference to some articles on the ALSA archive and Google Scholar<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.sun.ac.za\/antarcticlegacy\/files\/2025\/03\/nico_bas_2019.jpg\")
<\/a>Prof. de Bruyn’s dedication to mentorship has cultivated a new generation of scientists, ensuring the continuity of excellence in marine mammal research. His commitment to conservation and understanding of the natural world has left an indelible mark on the scientific community. An example of this can be seen in the book by Sean Evans and Tavis Dalton – \u201cMarionthroughthelens<\/a>\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.sun.ac.za\/antarcticlegacy\/files\/2025\/03\/nico_alsa-archive-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/a>As he embarks on a new chapter in his career, we extend our deepest gratitude for his contributions and wish him continued success. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire future research and conservation efforts in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions. He will remain affiliated with the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) as a senior advisor for the MIMMP, and Honorary Research Fellow of SAEON.<\/p>\n