David Jackson is a superb mathematical researcher, recognized around the world as a leader in algebraic combinatorics.
He has been at the forefront as this field as developed over the last thirty years into a mature discipline. Perhaps most notable has been the creative vision that has consistently driven Professor Jackson's work and the subsequent independence and novelty of his contributions. His impact in combinatorics has been remarkable, but in other areas touched by his work, he has also made substantial contributions, including algebra, mathematical physics and, most recently, geometry, due to his high-profile research on ramified covers of surfaces.