After obtaining his first degree in 1974 by passing the Institute of Biology membership exams, William Holt obtained his PhD in 1979 through the Royal Veterinary College in London before going on to work at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). After retiring from ZSL in 2011, he became an Honorary Research Associate. Since his retirement, Prof Holt has co-authored more than 40 scientific papers, and has planned and co-edited three books.
In his research, Prof Holt has combined studies of reproductive biology with practical developments of reproductive technologies and their applications to wildlife conservation. His research in semen cryopreservation and semen assessment in both wild and agricultural species led him into many international collaborations to approach practical issues, such as freezing wallaby, kangaroo and koala sperm.
In 2012, Prof Holt was awarded the Setchell medal by the British Andrology Society, which recognises outstanding contributions to the field of Andrology. In January 2018, Prof Holt received the Marshall Medal from the Society for Reproduction and Fertility, which recognises outstanding contributors to the study of fertility and reproduction.
