Professor Ivan Marusic is an internationally leading figure in the field of fluid mechanics. Using novel tools, methods and unique data sets to tackle some of the grand challenges in the field, he discovered “superstructures” in wall-bounded turbulent flows. This led to a new theoretical understanding of wall turbulence and the development of new predictive tools based on physical modelling concepts. This work continues to have an impact in numerous areas, including the efficient design of pipes, ships and aeroplanes, the management of environmental flows in rivers, lakes and seas, and in weather forecasting.