Prof Steve Albon, FRSE, is a population ecologist based at the James Hutton Institute, in Aberdeen. Since 2009, Steve has played a major role co-chairing the UK National Ecosystem Assessment, with Prof Sir Robert Watson, FRS, then Chief Scientific Adviser, Defra, and now Prof Kerry Turner, CBE. The UK NEA published in 2011 (http://uknea.unep-wcmc.org/Resources/tabid/82/Default.aspx) is one of the most thorough sub-global integrated assessments ever undertaken, and also led to innovation in the development of methods for the valuation of ecosystem services. Steve is particularly interested in demonstrating the links between ecosystem function and human well-being, and is pursing this line of research asCoordinator of the NERC Valuing Nature Network (VNN).The rationale for the VNN (http://www.valuing-nature.net/) is that unless we understand the value of natural resources, ecosystems and biodiversity then decision making regarding this natural capital will remain highly problematic and arguably flawed. The network seeks to bring together the diverse interdisciplinary community necessary to tackle these challenges.