Vale, Emeritus Professor Donald Walker (14 May 1928–31 May 2026)
It is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of Emeritus Professor Donald Walker, a distinguished former member of the Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies (RSPAS), now part of the ANU School of Culture, History and Language within the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific. Donald passed away on 31 May at the age of 98.
Donald founded the Department of Biogeography and Geomorphology within RSPAS and made lasting contributions to ecology, palaeoecology, and our understanding of the ways climate change and human activity have shaped tropical rainforests. His pioneering research, conducted first in Papua New Guinea and later in northern Australia and southern China, challenged long-held assumptions about the stability of tropical rainforest ecosystems. His work advanced knowledge of late-Quaternary climate change in the tropics and deepened understanding of the timing and extent of human influence on these environments. He also broke new ground in the application of statistical methods to the interpretation of palynological data.
Earlier in his career, Donald's research on the vegetation history of Cumbria provided an influential account of post-glacial environmental change and demonstrated the close relationship between ecology and landscape history. His work on peat stratigraphy and bog regeneration similarly established foundations that shaped future research in the field.
Beyond his scholarly achievements, Donald played a key role in strengthening research infrastructure and international collaboration. He helped establish in-country research facilities in Papua New Guinea and was instrumental in securing the ANU Kioloa Campus as a site for research and teaching during the 1960s and 1970s. In recognition of his efforts to foster academic links between Australia and China during the 1980s, he was appointed an Honorary Professor of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Donald inspired generations of colleagues, students and collaborators. He will be remembered not only for his intellectual leadership and scientific contributions, but also for his generosity, mentorship and willingness to share his knowledge. He will be greatly missed.