Thomas Eisner made numerous significant contributions to the field of chemical ecology. Thomas Eisner is a pioneer of the field of chemical ecology, the science that deals with the varied and ingenious ways in which animals, plants, and microorganisms communicate chemically with one another. All organisms emit and receive chemical signals and understanding these signals is central to our understanding of nature. Chemical ecology is the practice of “eavesdropping” on the chemical interactions of organisms. It is a field of enormous potential for changing the future of agriculture and medicine, and promoting understanding of the environment. Studying insects, Eisner has been deciphering the chemical signals that these animals use for recognition of mates, location of food, protection of offspring, and defense against enemies. Together with colleagues, he has unraveled many intricate strategies that insects use for survival.