John D. Altringham

b.1954. Zoologist, university professor, author of British Bats (2003). Graduated from York (BSc 1978) and St Andrews (PhD 1981). Researcher in biomechanics and animal locomotion in the USA and UK, before joining staff of School of Biology at Leeds University, where he was successively lecturer, Reader, and now Professor of Biomechanics. Scientific Medal of the Zoological Society (1994) for work on fish swimming.

An 'extracurricular' passion for bats led to a book (Bats: biology and behaviour, 1996, OUP), a second research theme in bat ecology, and increasing involvement in bat conservation.

Counterbalances the frustrating aspects of university life by studying bats, and going caving with his 'dazzling team' of PhD students. Lives on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Parl with his wife Kate and two children, and looks forward to the day he can move into the heart of the Dales.