Warwick Vincent is professor of biology at Laval University in Quebec City, Canada, where he teaches limnology (lake science) and oceanography. He also holds the Canada Research Chair in Aquatic Ecosystem Studies and is former director of the interuniversity Centre for Northern Studies. He is especially known for his work on Arctic and Antarctic ecosystems, and much of his current research is on lakes, rivers, and coastal seas in the Canadian North. His books include Microbial Ecosystems of Antarctica (CUP, 1988) and Polar Lakes and Rivers (OUP, 2008), with Johanna Laybourn-Parry. Dr. Vincent has received several awards and distinctions including the Ramon Margalef Award from the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO) for education at all levels, from graduate student training to public outreach. He is Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand.