Editorial for the Michael Bull special issue

Some scientists prefer an understated approach. Their writing and other scientific deeds are performed with efficiency and thoroughness, but with limited fanfare. The career of C. Michael Bull (Mike) was delivered in this manner. A quiet authority and dependability that was relentless. His opinion mattered - not because he was influential in scientific circles, although true, but because it was always reliable, honest, clear, concise and - on point. Mike had a brick in the wall approach to science. His approach was to investigate a problem, then use the results to inform the next question and repeat. His approach was grounded in empirical long‐term field‐based studies having been influenced by the Adelaide‐based Australian ecologist George Andrewartha whose mantra was that ‘answers can be found in the field’. As such, Mike led two particular long‐term studies - on sleepy lizards and their ticks, and on the endangered pygmy bluetongue. This long‐term field‐based approach was supported by judicious experimentation, systematically following up on previous studies.