Professor Mike Bunce is an honorary/adjunct professor at Otago and Curtin Universities. He forged a career in genetics and science advice. Working primarily in the fields of ancient and environmental DNA, he has published over 225 research papers. Mike was formally chief science adviser at the EPA and DOC. Seconded into MoH during the pandemic, he wrote science advice on the use of genetic tools to combat the virus. Mike is currently enrolled at Victoria University in Wellington studying science communication.