Ruth Padel (born May 8, 1946) is a British poet, novelist, and nonfiction writer known for her nature-themed poetry and literary criticism. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and served as the first female Professor of Poetry at Oxford University (2009-2015). Born in London to a biologist father and writer mother, Padel blends science, nature, and humanities in her work. Her notable works include 'Darwin: A Life in Poems' and 'Tiger'. She has won multiple awards, including the Costa Book Award and the Royal Society Science Book Prize. Padel is also an advocate for environmental conservation and animal rights.
