Bjorn Lindman has for fifty years had an active role in science and technology. His main contributions are briefly described. In the science part particular emphasis is put on his studies of ion binding, of amphiliphilc self-association, of molecular diffusion in solution and of polymer-surfactant systems. Furthermore we describe his role in introducing scientific areas, his role in scientific collaborations and his contributions to scientific organizations. The text is concluded by some personal reflections by the author. (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V.