Vale: Emeritus Professor Sam Lake
Professor Sam Lake
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Emeritus Professor Sam Lake, who died peacefully in his sleep on 17 April 2025. Professor Lake was a distinguished figure in the field of limnology, with a career spanning over six decades.
Professor Lake's journey in limnology began in 1963 as an Honours student at the Australian National University. His early research focused on the effects of heavy metal pollution on invertebrates in the Molonglo River, which flows through Canberra. This foundational work set the stage for a lifetime dedicated to the study of freshwater ecosystems.
After completing his Honours, Professor Lake pursued a PhD at the University of Southampton in the UK. His doctoral research further solidified his expertise and passion for invertebrate biology and endocrinology.
In 1967, Professor Lake joined the Zoology Department at the University of Tasmania, where he lectured on invertebrate biology and endocrinology. His move to Monash University in 1976 marked the beginning of a nearly 40-year tenure, during which he published hundreds of scientific papers on freshwater ecology and biological invasions. Even after his retirement, Professor Lake remained an active contributor to inland water management and restoration projects.
Professor Lake's contributions to science were widely recognized. In 1980, he received the Gold Medal from the Australian Society for Limnology. This was followed by the Award of Excellence from the North American Benthological Society in 2000, and the Gold Medal of the Ecological Society of Australia in 2006. His international acclaim was further cemented in 2013 when he was awarded the prestigious Naumann-Thienemann Medal by The International Society for Limnology (SIL), the highest honour for outstanding scientific contributions to limnology.
In 2014, Professor Lake was named an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his distinguished service to conservation and the environment as an ecologist and freshwater scientist, and for his contributions to research and professional organizations.
Professor Lake was dearly loved by his family. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, his daughters Kath and Jess, his sons-in-law Dave and Lachie, and his grandchildren Matilda, Mia, Larry, Henry, and Anna.
Professor Sam Lake's legacy is one of profound impact on the scientific community and the environment. His work has left an indelible mark on the study and management of freshwater ecosystems, and his contributions will continue to inspire future generations of scientists.