Professor Olaf Lawrence Fredrick Weyl (1972–2020)

Professor Olaf Weyl was born in Giesen, Germany, but moved to Africa at an early age as a result of his father's work international development. He completed BSc Rhodes University, South Africa, before embarking on MSc, rapidly upgraded PhD, The dynamics sub-tropical lake fishery central Mozambique under Tom Hecht Rhodes. After completing Malawi where he worked fisheries research and management advisor the Department Fisheries (1998–2002). During this period learned much about interacting with experienced scientists managers, something carried through rest career. returned 2003, first Post-Doctoral fellow then Senior Lecturer Ichthyology Science University (2004–2009). Thereafter, seized opportunity grow career employed by National Research Foundation African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB), initially Scientist 2009, Principal 2012, Chief 2017. This calculated move Facility resulted using skills global network build multiple collaborations researchers from across Southern globally fields fish ecology, invasion biology inland management. built strong dynamic group SAIAB that without doubt will miss leadership boundless drive. In 2017 awarded Chair Inland Freshwater Ecology, which testimony outstanding pursuit excellence both freshwater biology. had profound impact applied aspects science ably bridged gap between these two very different discourses. prolific author over 220 peer-reviewed papers, many more come legacy leaves behind. served Assistant Editor Journal Fish Biology Associate Invasions, Zoology, Biological BioInvasions Records. Sustained outputs high standing appointment Toronto Scarborough (Canada), Adjunct Nebraska Lincoln (USA), Honorary (South Africa) Core Team Member DST/NRF Centre Excellence Invasion (University Stellenbosch, Africa). also Regional Specialist Group IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC), Scientific Committee member Future Earth bioDISCOVERY Project, lead IPBES assessment report invasive alien species expert nexus scoping report. contributed development several policy frameworks including Strategy Alien Invasive Environmental Management: Act: Regulations Lists. incredibly gregarious character, attributed formative days meeting talking consultants visiting working father. It inevitable would fisheries: developed passion nature grew up Zambia Zimbabwe avid excellent angler. never happier than when trying catch remote areas or showing you favourite fishing spots. passed away doing what loved best, chasing mountain streams. infectious personality, formidable intellect wicked humour. forward thinking forefront promote sustainable aquatic ecosystems waters, forgot roots ecology conservation. brought unique blend wide audience, academics managers fishers landowners, always willing offer support knowledge identify solutions wider environmental conflicts. Indeed, just sadly away, submitted edited proofs paper Sciences entitled “Ten questions Africa's Policy”, exemplifies amazing ability bridge policy. remarkable especially valuable dealing described ‘wicked problems’ society, such bridging deep chasm mistrust anglers authorities wishing regulate sport fishes Africa. As active party communities, understood each came desirable achievable seeking solution. is credit no small way contributions that, after years, Act (NEM:BA) regulations, all major were finally approved signed into law Minister earlier year. special talent attracting students corners subcontinent time there desperate need transform discipline With teams postgraduate postdocs, supportive numerous projects region. Throughout projects, constant source encouragement guidance, not only everyone engaged activities results provided scientific justification sound legislation, while same supporting capacity leaving place trained countries southern-central At conferences fish, other disciplines throughout invariably prominent contributors participants discussions future planning. Through academic outsized personality able coax tremendous loyalty, dedication productivity colleagues, post-docs students. personal tributes have flowed forth team following passing illustrate how deeply every one them. all, massive institutional gap, it be difficult fill. part, tragedy educational mentoring aspect life-journey, building new generation hitting full stride. Dr. Angus Paterson close friend Prof summed life so perfectly: “Olaf ways giant man could matched inordinate love nurture those around him”. missed family, friends, colleagues pleasure knowing him. survived wife Michelle, twin daughters Phillipa Olivia, parents Ulrich Gaby, brothers Michael Philip, sisters Julia Anika. highly respected research, larger continue resonate beyond long time. Comment Editor-in-Chief – Biology. years during handled hundreds papers see them peer review process. When appreciates senior position working, immense testament devoted himself furthering careers scientists, despite considerable commitments. I informed editorial board death, impressed number members met him person, whom reinforced their experience colleague who energetic enthusiast, generous time, brilliantly insightful, above warm human-being. greatly inspiration us emulate.Michel J. Kaiser.Editor-in-Chief.