Frank has had a lifelong interest in all kinds of animals and plants and studied biology at the Ruhr University in Bochum (Germany). Doing a PhD in neuroscience at the University of Oxford led to a career in the lab rather than in the field.
Nevertheless, the passion for the natural world never left Frank. He has a particular fascination for cacti and travelled to the deserts of North America many times to see his favourite ones in their natural habitat. He also grows them at home in Wales (despite the weather!) and is currently chairman of the British Cactus & Succulent Society.
Frank’s passion for the animal world, especially for birds and butterflies, was rekindled by a wildlife tour in Costa Rica in 2015. He is an avid wildlife photographer and also gets involved in local wildlife conservation projects, such as for the High Brown Fritillary in the Alun Valley in South Wales. In the Butterfly Conservation South Wales branch he is the field trip organiser.
After 25 years at Cardiff University Frank retired from his job as Professor of Neuroscience at the end of 2024, and now has a lot more time to get out in the field!
Frank Sengpiel
