ICTA-UAB mourns the loss of Jane Goodall
ICTA-UAB expresses its deepest sorrow at the death of Jane Goodall, researcher, conservationist, and a global reference in the study of primates and the defense of nature. Her legacy continues to inspire the entire scientific and environmental community.
"I will never forget the quiet strength she carried, the way she spoke with both conviction and gentleness", says ICTA-UAB researcher Álvaro Fernández Llamazares.
Jane Goodall’s relationship with ICTA-UAB was especially close. Our institute had the honor of welcoming her on two occasions, in 2012 and in 2015, visits that were made possible thanks to the strong ties with the Jane Goodall Institute through young researchers, such as ICTA-UAB ethnobotanist Álvaro Fernández-Llamazares, who was then volunteering with the organization”.
During her first stay, the primatologist delivered a lecture at the Rectorate of the UAB that generated enormous interest and brought together students, researchers, and the general public. Three years later, she returned to the campus for the Global Meeting of the Jane Goodall Institute, promoted by ICTA-UAB, which brought together representatives of the organization from around the world. As part of these events, Goodall participated in public and symbolic events, such as the planting of a tree in the gardens of ICTA-UAB.
The collaboration between the UAB and the Jane Goodall Institute also materialized in the joint organization of the Primatology Course, coordinated by ICTA-UAB and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, in which Jane Goodall shared her experience and vision with students and researchers.
“The world has lost not only one of the greatest scientists of our time, but also one of its most inspiring conservation advocates. Jane Goodall transformed forever the way we understand our kinship with the natural world, teaching us that science and hope can walk hand in hand. In my youth, I had the privilege of volunteering for several years at the Jane Goodall Institute, where I helped to organize several of her visits to Barcelona. I will never forget the quiet strength she carried, the way she spoke with both conviction and gentleness, and the kindness she showed to everyone around her. Those encounters remain among the greatest honours of my life, and they deepened my belief in the possibility of a more caring relationship with the natural world. Her voice will be deeply missed, but her legacy shines on”, says Dr. Álvaro Fernández-Llamazares, a senior researcher at ICTA-UAB.
ICTA-UAB wishes to pay tribute to Dr. Goodall and highlight the mark she left on our institution. Her example of commitment to science, conservation, and hope will continue to inspire future generations.