Dr Hinde has made original contributions to the understanding of the fusion and fission of heavy nuclei. His development of novel experimental equipment and techniques allowed elucidation of the time-scale involved in heavy ion reactions. Together with measurements, of unrivalled precision, of fusion and fission as a function of energy, angular momentum, mass and charge, his work has led to a significant change in our knowledge of nuclear dynamics. His incisive interpretation of these processes and demonstration that global studies are imperative for a proper understanding, have made him a world leader, and resulted in a re-direction of international research.