Nathan is a world leader in comparative sensory biology and leads the Neurobiology Lab at Macquarie University. His research on ‘early’ vertebrates such as lampreys and sharks has helped to uncover the origin and evolution of vertebrate colour vision. His studies on the bird retina have enabled crucial insights into the perceptual mechanisms underpinning evolutionary theory, including sexual and natural selection. Currently, he is finding new ways to protect people from shark bites and discovering how the left and right sides of the brain become specialised for different cognitive tasks and behaviours.