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Loss of ACZM Diplomate, Dr. Susan Mainka

Published on 2/16/2012

The IUCN community is deeply saddened by the loss of its colleague and friend Dr Susan Mainka. Sue passed away on Sunday 12 February after a five-month battle with cancer. She made a huge contribution to IUCN, to the Species Programme and to maintaining the scientific rigour of our work.

Sue received the Species Survival Commission Sir Peter Scott Award for Conservation Merit on the 4th of February 2012 in recognition of her pioneering work on the conservation of the Giant Panda, her leadership of the IUCN Species Programme, and her encouragement of conservationists worldwide, especially in Asia. Sue was Deputy Head of the Species Programme from 1997 to 2000, and Head of the Species Programme from 2000 to 2004. She went on to hold other senior positions in IUCN headquarters, most recently Head of Science and Knowledge Management.

Sue's knowledge and expertise and her dry sense of humour will be missed by many. If you would like to add some words of condolence or share your memories of Sue, please post your text on the IUCN Species webpage Dr Sue Mainka.

 

Simon N. Stuart

Chair, Species Survival Commission

IUCN Tribute to Dr. Susan Mainka