Dedication ceremony honors revered freshwater biologist

A dedication ceremony at the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Center for Limnology (CFL) today (May 8) is honoring the vision and achievements of a late UW–Madison scientist by naming a laboratory after him. The newly named facility – the Arthur Davis Hasler Laboratory for Limnology – has been at the core of education and UW–Madison research in the aquatic sciences for more than four decades.

Arthur Hasler, who died in 2001, was a UW–Madison faculty member for 41 years and a past director of the CFL. A leading scientist in the field of freshwater biology and behavior, Hasler was deeply respected for his creative and interdisciplinary approach to the study of ecosystems. He was also known as a tireless environmental advocate who vigorously campaigned for measures to boost water quality in the Madison lakes.

“We are naming our laboratory after [Hasler] to recognize and honor his accomplishments as a scientist and a leader,” says James Kitchell, CFL’s current director. “He built this place – literally and figuratively.”

Hasler was instrumental in securing the grants that lead to the erection in 1963 of the laboratory that is now named after him. He also spearheaded efforts to erect the Trout Lake Biological Station in northern Wisconsin, now regarded as one of the preeminent freshwater research field stations in the country. The two facilities have together attracted scores of scientists to Wisconsin, in fitting tribute to Hasler’s successes in forging international collaborations and interdisciplinary research programs.

Hasler published more than 200 scientific papers and wrote seven books during his career. He served as president of three major professional societies, including the American Ecological Society, and was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1969.

The dedication ceremony will include invited colleagues, students, family and friends.