The life and legacy of Professor Roseanne Denise Diab (1949–2026) : environmental scientist, institution builder and champion of women in science

Abstract

It was with a sense of profound shock that the scientific community learned of the passing of Professor Roseanne Diab in January 2026. At the time of her death, she was the Vice-President of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), and was working in the field of air quality and human health on a South African Medical Research Council contract. Roseanne’s career was divided into two parts: the first being her contributions as a university teacher and scholar in environmental science and the second being her leadership roles in higher education and in international science policy. Her contributions in both of these contexts were exemplary.