David H. Turpin is a scholar, scientist, educator and academic leader. One of Canada's most-cited researchers, he is an expert on plant photosynthesis, respiration and nitrogen assimilation. As president and vice-chancellor of the University of Victoria (UVic), he is recognized nationally as a leader in higher education. At UVic, he has overseen a growth in its size, research activity and international standing. He was also instrumental in the establishment of Neptune Canada, the world's first large-scale underwater ocean observatory, advancing global understanding of this delicate and largely unknown ecosystem.