Professor Rob Slotow has been appointed at the University of Kwazulu-Natal since 1996, and has been a Full Professor since 2007. Since 2014, he has been an Honorary Full Professor in the Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment at the University College, London. Rob focuses on applied research that can be translated into practical solutions, and works hard to build capacity in the system through training of 55 Masters and PhD students, and running many interactive workshops with practitioners in government and industry. He research includes work on conservation of large mammals, land-use planning for environmental sustainability, and environmental contribution to achieving sustainable development goals. Rob is currently the co-Chair of the IUCN SSC African Elephant Specialist Group.  He previously served in the University executive for 8 years, first as the Deputy Vice Chancellor and Head of College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, and then as the DVC and Head of College of Health Sciences.