Benjamin Klaas Selinger was born on 23 January 1939. He graduated from Sydney University with an Honours degree in 1960, a Masters degree in 1961, and a PhD from the Technical University of Stuttgart in 1964. He was appointed lecturer in chemistry and Deputy Warden of Burton Hall at the ANU in 1965, and awarded a DSc from ANU in 1980. He was appointed Professor of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science in 1992. Selinger has written numerous books, a regular science and technology column for the Canberra Times, over 150 scientific articles and was also the resident expert for several years on the ABC radio show Dial-a-Scientist. He has been involved in professional bodies including the Independent Panel on Intractable Waste, National Occupational Commission (now Worksafe Australia), inaugural Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Registration Authority for agriculture and veterinary chemicals, and Chair of the Homebush Bay Environmental Reference Group for the Olympic Co-ordination Authority. He retired from ANU in 2010.