Steve Barnett has been an active researcher, primarily in the fields of quantum optics and quantum information, for more than 30 years (isn't it amazing how time flies). He has very wide research interests and has worked on the non-classical properties of light and its interaction with matter (low-energy quantum electrodynamics), the quantum theory of optical phase and rotation angles, quantum communications and cryptography, quantum optics in material media, including optical forces and torques, quantum retrodiction (time-reversed quantum theory), optimal quantum measurements and the orbital angular momentum of light. In his spare time (!) he also dabbles in general relativity and in low temperature physics. Throughout his career, he has always tried to work closely with experimental groups, partly because that is a way to stay true to the physics but principally because experimenters ask such interesting questions. He firmly believes that a good theoretical explanation should be expressible on the back on the proverbial envelope and strives, wherever possible, for the neat and analytical solution to a problem. He is the author of two graduate level textbooks: "Methods in Theoretical Quantum Optics" (written with Paul Radmore) and "Quantum Information", both published by Oxford University Press.