It is with deep sadness that SCAR reports the recent passing of Prof Craig Cary on 29 February 2024. Craig was a distinguished Antarctic scientist, and expert in terrestrial Antarctic ecosystems who made numerous important contributions to SCAR’s work as well as providing invaluable mentoring and support to many individuals.
As a microbial ecologist, Craig held the position of Professor in the School of Science at the University of Waikato. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science from the Florida Institute of Technology in 1976, followed by an MSc from San Diego State University in 1982, and a PhD from the University of California, San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, in 1989. After four years of Postdoctoral work at Oregon State University, he continued his academic career at the University of Delaware in 1994, later moving to New Zealand and joining the University of Waikato in 2004. Over four decades, Craig dedicated his research to studying microbial life in extreme environments, engaging in deep-sea expeditions to hydrothermal vents and conducting 18 seasons in Antarctica.
Craig’s engagement with SCAR was extensive. He was instrumental in setting up and chairing the cross-disciplinary Antarctic Near-shore and Terrestrial Observation System (ANTOS) Action Group in 2014, which became an Expert Group in 2016. ANTOS aims to develop a trans-continental, biologically focused comprehensive and coordinated Antarctic-wide observation system, to identify and track environmental variability and change. ANTOS has developed integrated and standardised sensing systems (‘towers’) for marine and terrestrial areas with ‘how to’ manuals, a central web-database for real-time data that is accessible to everyone, and now has several working systems deployed in the field. ANTOS was set up with a long-term vision – it was Craig’s wish that ANTOS extend well past the life of any researcher.
Dr Vonda Cummings, ANTOS co-chair and Principal Scientist – Marine ecology, NIWA, said “Craig had such a passion and enthusiasm for science and for Antarctica. He was clever, inclusive, considerate and kind, and we have been fortunate to have such a wonderful friend and colleague in our community.”
Craig also served as the National Representative for New Zealand in the SCAR Life Sciences Group. In August 2023, Craig played a pivotal role as the conference convenor and chair of the Local Organising Committee for the XIII SCAR Biology Symposium in Christchurch, New Zealand. The conference was a huge success and was the first opportunity for the SCAR community to get together following the pandemic.
“Scientists aren’t renowned for their people skills, but Craig was the most welcoming, enthusiastic and generous human being. Nowhere was this more evident than in his leadership of the XIII SCAR Biology Symposium in New Zealand in 2023, where he made everyone feel part of a real community. Whilst I cannot believe he is gone, a quote from a colleague sums up how he made us all feel about the job that we do ‘I’m finding joy that we all went to his “Antarctica party” last year in Christchurch’”, said Dr Huw Griffiths, British Antarctic Survey
Colleagues remember Craig for his unwavering dedication and enthusiasm. He was a passionate mentor, uplifting many with his encouragement, guidance, and support:
“Craig was a very active mentor and long-standing member of the New Zealand National Committee on Antarctic Sciences. He mentored many graduate students who are now active contributors to the international Antarctic Science community and has also been instrumental in developing approaches to reduce the impact of human activities on Antarctic terrestrial environments including with the construction of the new Scott Base on Ross Island.”
– Prof Gary Wilson – Chair of the New Zealand National Committee on Antarctic Sciences
“Throughout his illustrious career, Craig made a positive impact on almost everyone and everything that crossed his path. His endless and infectious enthusiasm inspired and motivated countless young scientists. He was still in the midst of creating and implementing new Antarctic research projects and capabilities when he was unexpectedly taken away from us, and one could only wonder what amazing things he would have achieved. I will miss my dear friend, colleague, and mentor terribly.”
– Dr Charles Lee – Academic Co-Director, the Environmental Research Institute, University of Waikato
A funeral celebrating Craig’s life will be held at The Pā, University of Waikato, Hillcrest Road, Hamilton on Saturday, 9 March, at 1.00pm. The service will be live streamed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1arecSbMMGY.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues.