Professor Steve Smith is an Adjunct Professor of Marine Science at Southern Cross University and University of Pattimura. He is a marine benthic ecologist with a primary interest in the biodiversity of marine and estuarine environments. His research focuses on the measurement, monitoring and management of marine biodiversity and identifying the natural and anthropogenic factors that cause it to change. Professor Smith is a strong advocate of community engagement in research. His citizen science research activities include assessments of marine debris in Australia and South East Asia as well as the documentation of changing patterns of sea slug diversity and distribution through the Sea Slug Census program.