Frans de Waalan internationally renowned primatologist, passed away on March 14, from stomach cancer, as announced by Emory University.
Of Dutch origin, de Waal had a brilliant career, enriched by numerous honors and a profound impact on the understanding of primates and human nature.
Selected in 2007 as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine, de Waal dedicated his life to the study of chimpanzees and other apes. His work questioned the view that the intrinsic nature of primates is based on aggression and competition, introducing a new perspective on cooperation, empathy and justice between them.
Emory University highlighted its fundamental role in transforming perceptions about the emotional and social capabilities of primates, contributing to a new understanding of humans. Lynne Nygaard, chair of the Department of Psychology at Emory, described de Waal as a “deeply thinking intellectual” whose work crossed the boundaries of academic disciplines.
As the author of numerous critically acclaimed books, de Waal was a pioneer in strengthening the links between the behaviors of apes and humans. In addition to his written output, he has distinguished himself as an engaging speaker whose TED talks have reached global audiences, sharing his discoveries about the social and emotional nature of primates and their implications for understanding human behavior.
De Waal was honored with the EO Wilson Prize in 2020 and received the IgNobel in 2021, a recognition that celebrates studies that provoke laughter followed by reflection. Frans de Waal’s legacy remains influential, reflecting his tireless quest to unravel the complex web of social relationships among primates and their relevance to understanding ourselves.