John Lewin graduated with a BA and PhD from the University of Southampton. He was Professor of Physical Geography at Aberystwyth University, where he also served as Dean of the Science Faculty and Pro-Vice-Chancellor. His major research interest lies in fluvial geomorphology, especially floodplains, and the development of landforms over a full range of timescales. He is a former chairman of the British Society for Geomorphology and received the Society’s Linton Award in 2011.