My professional career is founded on the combination of a sparkling scientific curiosity and a life-long passion for nature. My objective is to raise and improve our insight in the natural world, and I am especially intrigued by management issues at the interface between natural sciences and human society. The two cornerstones of my scientific work are applied waterbird research and science-based advice, which are strongly linked by the pleasure I get from application of my research and my passion to communicate. Both of these alone, as well as the important task of pulling them together, rely strongly on collaborative skills to be successful. My research focuses on population dynamics and management of migratory waterbirds, with particular emphasis on habitat ecology, demography, migration, climate change effects and sustainable use. However, I have a broad interest in wildlife ecology, and have experience from work involving many species of mammals and birds. Much of my work has led to scientific advice to managing authorities, with topics ranging from delimitation of national reserves to determination of hunting season lengths. In addition, most recommendations from my research on geese feed directly into the adaptive management of these species on an international level.