Professor Geoff Laurent was an acclaimed scientist and globally renowned world class researcher on every aspect of respiratory health. He was inspirational, whether on the sporting field (football, golf, cycling to name but a few) or in a lab surrounded by the latest technology, his curiosity and intellect were infectious. Geoff completed his Bachelor of Science degree with first class honours at the University of Western Australia (UWA) in 1974, and his PhD in 1978.