Over the past 26 years, I have evolved from being an algal taxonomist to an aquatic ecologist, from a conservationist to a development facilitator. At the current stage of my evolution, I find my niche in nature-people-knowledge nexus. Over these years, I have developed interest in and understanding of nature-based solutions, environmental governance, climate change adaptation, technology for poverty alleviation, scholarly communication, and research impact — all focusing on human well-being.I have worked for and have been associated with different national and international environmental, development, learned, and research organisations [including IUCN, Practical Action, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), ICCCAD/IUB, Oxfam, Save the Children International, CCJ-B, British Council, US Embassy, Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, and BRAC University (of Bangladesh); INASP, Itad Ltd, Research Consulting Ltd, Adam Smith International, The ACU, University of Oxford, Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), CAT, ALPSP, and EASE (of the UK); Environmental Incentives, WWF Inc., Chemonics International Inc., ME&A Inc., Tetra Tech ARD, Cimpatico Studios Inc., World Vision International, and Society for Scholarly Publishing (of the USA); AFD (France); University of Waterloo (Canada); Wageningen University & Research (the Netherlands); IWMI (Sri Lanka); IRRI (the Philippines); and APN (Japan)], development partners (ADB, FAO, FCDO/DFID, UNDP, and USAID), and my government’s agencies in different capacities.I am also associated with many peer-reviewed journals, learned societies, funding agencies, and knowledge and professional networks. I help my organisations with strategic direction and expert opinion; influencing policy and practice; planning, managing and ensuring quality of programmes; and fundraising and financial management.I bring in expertise in creating, capturing and communicating knowledge; testing and promoting new ideas; and facilitating collaboration and network. I and my co-workers have so far published 49 journal articles; have authored, edited and contributed to more than 55 books and other publications; and have written 215 articles and thought pieces on diverse topics — from freshwater ecosystems to climate change adaptation to poverty-technology link to wildlife conservation to research system.As a research enthusiast, I often work with researchers, journal editors, and pertinent national and international agencies for improving research system.