Michael obtained a BSc in Biology at the University of Southampton in 1978. He stayed on at Southampton to complete a PhD in molecular biology, before moving to the Department of Genetics in Leicester to work on yeast. Realising what a wonderful model organism yeast is, Michael pursued a variety of projects in molecular and cellular physiology, from the dual perspectives of functional genetics and biochemistry. At an early stage in the development of the field he became increasingly involved in computational genome sequence analysis and functional molecular interaction networks. After various academic and industry positions including lectureships and research management, Michael broke with the traditional career structure to pursue independent research. This followed the recognition that molecular interaction networks of organisms, cognitive networks, and human organisational networks (institutions broadly conceived) may be framed as one and the same type of structure. Through the demands of the niche, natural selection participates directly in the network structure. Michael describes a framework amounting to a generalised theory of evolution beyond Darwin’s biological formulation. It allows visualisation of a nested hierarchy of emergent structure encompassing both development and evolution for all niche-occupying entities. With this realisation, great simplification follows. However, it undermines many specialities and goes against the flow of current academic thought.Michael is looking for collaboration. He highlights three separate areas of opportunity. The first relates to explication and publication of the aforementioned generalised theory of evolution. The second arises from the framework perspective that allows truly intelligent artificial agents to be produced through step-wise natural selection within a computer. The third addresses the demand posed by the enormity of the technological singularity of the type that will ensue under the above scenario.