John Fuller obtained a first-class honours degree in chemical engineering from Imperial College. He worked for three years for BP as a research engineer in the fields of combustion and two-phase flow. He then joined a firm of consulting scientists and engineers, which specialises in the investigation of fires and explosions for insurance companies. John was a partner for twenty years and is now retired. He lives with his wife in Hampshire and indulges his hobbies of watercolour painting, bird-watching and horse-racing.