Professor Mike Sandiford is Professor of Geology and Inaugural Director fo the Melbourne Energey Institute at the University of Melbourne. He has made important contributions to metamorphic geology, tectonics, earthquake geology, geomorphology and geothermics with a special focus on the young tectonic activity in the Indo-Australian tectonic plate. His work on the thermal structure of the Australian crust has led to the current upsurge of interest in geothermal energy exploration in South Australia. He was awarded consecutive ARC Professorial Fellowships, in 2000 and 2005 and was recipient of the Mawson Medal, the Stillwell medal (three times) and the Hobbs medal.