Franz Essl is professor and biodiversity researcher at the Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research at the University of Vienna. He is considered one of the leading experts in biodiversity research; and over the past few years, his name has consistently appeared on the list of the world’s most cited scientists. In addition to that, he is a member of the leadership team of the Austrian Biodiversity Council. In 2022, Franz Essl was named Austrian “Scientist of the year” by the Society of Science Journalists.