Chris Dickman has long been fascinated by patterns in biological diversity and in the factors that affect it. His work focuses mostly on mammals and other biota in arid environments and on a range of other projects in applied conservation and management. Chris is a Professor in Ecology (personal chair) at the University of Sydney and holds a Discovery Outstanding Research Award from the Australian Research Council. He is a prolific trainer of postgraduates, supervising over 140 Honours and postgraduate research students over the last 25 years. He has written or edited 20 books and monographs and authored more than 400 journal articles and book chapters. He is the recipient of several national and international awards, including New South Wales Plant and Animal Scientist of the Year in 2010.