Endless forms: reflections on a career of research about biological diversity

Abstract Biological diversity is a theme that links research on marine, terrestrial, and freshwater systems, across organizational levels from genes to ecosystems. I have been fortunate to be able to work on many different aspects of biological diversity during my career. My academic journey has taken me from my doctoral research on forest biodiversity in Northern Ireland to investigations of the patterns and processes that shape biodiversity change in marine and terrestrial ecosystems around the world. It also involved, particularly in the early days, navigating the challenges of being a woman scientist in a profession where the vast majority of colleagues and role models were male. Given the ongoing biodiversity crisis, improved understanding of biodiversity change on land, and in the sea, is a priority. I hope I have been able to contribute, in a small way, to knowledge that helps inform the management and conservation of our vital natural resources. Above all else I have learnt, during my career, the immense value of being able to collaborate with colleagues from many countries, and the importance of identifying questions that are both interesting and solvable.