Whitney R. Harris World Ecology Center

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dr. Peter H. Raven, President Emeritus of the Missouri Botanical Garden, who died on Saturday, April 25, at the age of 89.

Dr. Raven was, without exaggeration, one of the most influential botanists of the past century. Over nearly four decades as director of the Missouri Botanical Garden, he transformed it into a global center for botanical research, education, and conservation. He was an early and persistent voice on the loss of biodiversity, a recipient of the National Medal of Science, and a mentor and collaborator to generations of scientists working across the world.

For those of us at the Whitney R. Harris World Ecology Center, his loss is felt with particular weight. The work we do, training students from around the world to lead conservation research and shape policy in their home countries, exists in the landscape Dr. Raven helped build. The deep partnership between UMSL and the Missouri Botanical Garden has shaped countless careers, including that of our most recent World Ecology Award recipient, Dr. Lúcia G. Lohmann, who succeeded the institution Dr. Raven led.

Dr. Raven's work was guided by the conviction that understanding the natural world carries with it an obligation to sustain it. This conviction continues to guide our students, our faculty, and our mission. We are grateful for his life's work, and we extend our condolences to his family, his colleagues at the Garden, and the global community of scientists who learned from him.

Photo credit: Missouri Botanical Garden | Michael Jacob

https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/peter-raven/fbclid/iwy2xjawrd8dnlehrua2flbqixmqbzcnrjbmfwcf9pzbaymjiwmzkxnzg4mjawodkyaaeec40sow4g_fxvpzhjxipdzphm3xswkih7jbu41kvewvfmdnsqifyigotkmy4_aem_fhxyicunayfero4cxipd3q