Prof Roelof Burger is an accomplished atmospheric scientist specialising in weather nowcasting, climate change, cloud seeding, weather modification, weather radar, and air pollution. With more than 25 years of dedicated research experience, he has led and collaborated on over 50 scientific field campaigns across 12 countries, significantly enhancing our understanding of anthropogenic emissions and their impact on weather and climate. His pioneering work includes extensive involvement in high-profile international projects such as the South African Rainfall Enhancement Project, the UAE rainfall modification project, and feasibility studies for rainfall enhancement in Saudi Arabia, Mali, Libya, and India. Roelof’s innovative approach integrates aircraft observations, ground-based instrumentation, and advanced weather radar technologies combined with robust numerical modelling and statistical analysis to address critical environmental challenges. A prolific academic, Roelof has published over 60 peer-reviewed journal articles and successfully supervised over 10 PhD and 35 MSc students, fostering a new generation of skilled atmospheric scientists. His research has been recognised internationally, notably receiving the Weather Modification Association's Distinguished Service Award in 2018 for outstanding contributions to weather modification operations and research. Prof Burger began his career at the South African Weather Service, honing expertise in observational platforms, which later expanded through global collaborations with institutions such as NASA, NCAR, and various national meteorological services. Currently, he serves as Professor and Chair of the Climate Change, Air Quality, and Impacts research programme at North-West University, South Africa, where he continues to drive impactful research and cultivate extensive international collaborations to advance the management and mitigation of air pollution and climate-related challenges.