Professor Derek Leinweber is a distinguished theoretical physicist eminent for elucidating the phenomena emerging from Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD), the relativistic quantum field theory of the strong interactions. Performing direct first-principles supercomputer simulations, he disclosed the structure of the QCD ground-state fields forming the foundation of matter. He illustrated how the fundamental mechanism of centre vortices in the fields confine quarks and generate mass. Professor Leinweber’s ab-initio calculations of the electromagnetic structure of nucleon and Lambda-baryon excitations lead the field, advancing theoretical techniques. Combining these breakthroughs with novel developments of nonperturbative effective field theory, he has revolutionised understanding of QCD.