Prof. Conrad Matthee is a Professor of Zoology and former Executive Head of the Department of Botany and Zoology at Stellenbosch University. His research focuses on molecular systematics, phylogeography, and evolutionary biology, with a strong track record of mentoring postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows. He has held leadership roles in national and international scientific societies, serves on editorial boards of leading journals, and contributes actively to biodiversity conservation initiatives. As co-founder and CEO of SharkSafe Barriers (Pty) Ltd, he has also pioneered eco-friendly shark exclusion technology that protects both people and marine ecosystems.