The IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) is a science-based network of more than 8,000 volunteer experts from almost every country of the world. SSC's major role is to provide information to IUCN on biodiversity conservation, the inherent value of species, their role in ecosystem health and functioning, the provision of ecosystem services, and their support to human livelihoods.

Dr Simon Stuart has spent more than 30 years with the IUCN. Until 2016, Simon was Chair of the IUCN SSC, a position he held for two terms, the maximum allowed by IUCN statutes. During his time with IUCN, Simon headed their Species Programme, served as Acting Director General and led the Biodiversity Assessment Unit. Simon is now the Director of Strategic Conservation at Synchronicity Earth, where he works to reduce extinction rates and promote the recovery of threatened species.