Lee Berger determined the global cause of catastrophic declines and disappearances of amphibians in pristine areas, by discovering the novel pandemic disease, chytridiomycosis. By applying her disease expertise for the benefit of conservation, she is a world leader in understanding the epidemiology and pathogenesis of chytridiomycosis. Berger’s research has made a major contribution to the recognition that the spread of exotic disease is a threat to biodiversity and a serious consequence of globalisation.