Renowned Ecologist Diana Wall Gives Back to the Ecological Community with a Posthumous Major Donation to the Ecological Society of America

May 8, 2025
For Immediate Release

Contact: Alison Mize, (202) 833-8773 x224, alison@esa.org

The Society is honored to announce a generous bequest from the late Dr. Diana Harrison Wall’s estate. She was a former Ecological Society of America (ESA) president (1999–2000) and an internationally respected figure in soil biodiversity and ecology. Wall, who passed away in March 2024, left a lasting legacy with a donation of $514,000 to ESA, making it one of the largest individual gifts in the Society’s history.

Wall’s exceptional contributions to ecological science spanned over five decades, during which she made groundbreaking discoveries in soil ecology, particularly in her studies of nematodes and soil biodiversity. A pioneer in her field, Wall’s work in Antarctica and her studies of soil nematodes were instrumental in advancing global understanding of soil ecosystems. As a scientist and leader, she emphasized the interconnectedness of environmental systems and the crucial role that soil organisms play in sustaining ecosystems.

“This extraordinary gift reflects Diana Wall’s deep dedication to the Ecological Society of America and to advancing the practice and application of ecological research,” said current ESA President Stephanie Hampton. “Diana was not only a brilliant scientist but also a passionate advocate for ecology as a critical tool for addressing global environmental challenges. On top of that, she was a role model and mentor to many, who can all attest to her infectious enthusiasm for science. This gift will help ensure that her contributions will continue to inspire future generations of ecologists and decision-makers.”

Wall’s bequest will support ESA’s ongoing programs that further its mission of advancing the science and practice of ecology and supporting ecologists throughout their careers.

ESA Executive Director Catherine O’Riordan remarked, “We are deeply grateful for this major gift. Diana’s love for ESA was matched only by her dedication to science and to blazing a trail for others. This generous donation will allow us to expand our efforts to provide the next generation of ecologists with the tools, resources and opportunities they need to succeed.”

Throughout her career, Wall was a driving force behind many significant advances in soil biodiversity research. Her work in the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica demonstrated the vital role of nematodes in soil ecosystems and how they drive carbon cycling in extreme environments. Wall’s fieldwork also uncovered the resilience of soil biota under climate change, making her a leader in the study of ecosystem functioning in both polar and desert ecosystems. She was instrumental in establishing the Global Soil Biodiversity Initiative, which produced the first comprehensive scientific assessment of global soil biodiversity. Wall’s contributions have profoundly shaped our understanding of soil ecology, ecosystem services and the impact of human activity on soil health.

In addition to her scientific endeavors, Wall was an advocate for women and minorities in science, and she contributed her tremendous leadership skills to many entities beyond ESA. Among her many leadership roles, she served as president of the Society of Nematologists, the American Institute of Biological Sciences and the Association of Ecosystem Research Centers. Wall’s numerous accolades include being named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, election to membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and receiving the British Ecological Society’s President’s Medal. Her status as a major figure in Antarctic research is reflected in the USGS and ICSU Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research decision to name an Antarctic valley in her honor — Wall Valley.

Wall’s gift to ESA will ensure that her impact on the field of ecology continues for many years to come. It is a testament to her life’s work and her unwavering belief in the importance of ecological science.

For more information about Diana Wall, please read the Resolution of Respect in The Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America.

###

Learn more about the upcoming ESA Annual Meeting, August 10–15, on the meeting website. ESA invites press and institutional public information officers to attend for free. To register, please contact ESA Public Affairs Manager Mayda Nathan directly at mayda@esa.org.

The Ecological Society of America, founded in 1915, is the world’s largest community of professional ecologists and a trusted source of ecological knowledge, committed to advancing the understanding of life on Earth. The 8,000 member Society publishes six journals and a membership bulletin and broadly shares ecological information through policy, media outreach, and education initiatives. The Society’s Annual Meeting attracts 4,000 attendees and features the most recent advances in ecological science. Visit the ESA website at https://www.esa.org.

Follow ESA on social media:
Twitter/X – @esa_org
Bluesky – @ecologicalsociety.bsky.social
Instagram – @ecologicalsociety
Facebook – @esa.org