Charitha Pattiaratchi is a Professor in Coastal Oceanography at the University of Western Australia (UWA). He obtained his BSc, MSc and PhD in oceanography at University of Wales (Swansea). He has been at UWA since 1988 and currently is the leader of the Coastal Oceanography Group and The Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) ocean glider facility. He uses field measurements, remote sensing, and computer modelling for his research. The research he undertakes encompasses coastal ocean physical processes and their influence on climatic, biological, and geological processes in estuaries, the nearshore (beach) zone, and the continental shelf region. His main areas of research include the Indian Ocean with an emphasis on Australia and Sri Lanka. Professor Pattiaratchi is a strong mentor to the next generation of ocean researchers and has developed a world-renowned research and training program for early career researchers and graduate students in coastal oceanography. To date, he has directly supervised more than 350 individuals including being the primary supervisor of 325 dissertations. Additionally, he has authored (or co-authored) over 500 publications with 235 in international peer reviewed journals. In addition to receiving the Mentoring Award from The Oceanography Society in 2024, Professor Pattiaratchi was the recipient of the People’s Choice Award in the West Australian Premier’s Scientist of the Year Awards 2025.