Albert J. Fischer

Profile photo of Albert J. Fischer

In Memoriam
Professor Emeritus
1950-2022

ALBERT J. FISCHER

Birth: 1950, Montevideo, Uruguay
Death: November 22, 2022, Davis, California

Education:

  • B.S., Crop Science and Animal Husbandry, University of the Republic of Uruguay
  • M.S., Crop Science, Oregon State University
  • Ph.D., Crop Science, Oregon State University

Employment:

  • Plant Protection Center, Uruguay – Weed Research and Extension (1975)
  • Professor, Autonomous University of Chapingo, Mexico (1979–1981)
  • Rice and Weed Physiologist, International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Colombia (1989–1996)
  • Visiting Weed Biologist, North Dakota State University
  • Professor, Department of Plant Sciences, UC Davis (1997–2016)

Research Contributions and Impact

Albert Fischer was a globally respected expert in weed ecophysiology, especially in the context of rice cultivation. His research focused on herbicide resistance, weed competition and integrated weed management. At UC Davis, he held the endowed Melvin D. Androus Professorship for Weed Science in Rice, publishing over 80 peer-reviewed articles and 300 additional reports and presentations. His work played a vital role in improving rice production and weed control strategies in California and beyond.

Publications and Scientific Leadership

  • Authored foundational studies on herbicide resistance and weed physiology in rice systems
  • Served as President of the International Weed Science Society (IWSS) (2014)
  • Recipient, Outstanding International Lifetime Achievement Award (2022, IWSS)
  • Recipient, Marlin Brandon California Rice Industry Award (2017)

Teaching and Mentorship

During his tenure at UC Davis, Fischer mentored more than 15 graduate students and six postdoctoral researchers, in addition to hosting many visiting scholars. He was deeply admired for his humor, encouragement, and unwavering support for students—many of whom now hold leadership positions in agriculture.

Collaboration and Community

Fischer’s career was defined by international engagement and a deep desire to combat hunger in developing nations. Fluent in Spanish, English, German, and French, he collaborated widely and taught across Latin America and the U.S. His later years were enriched by sailing, music, travel, and photography—a reflection of his lifelong curiosity and creative spirit.

Legacy

Albert Fischer is remembered not only as a pioneering weed scientist but also as a generous mentor, loyal friend, and civic-minded scholar. The Albert Fischer Scholarship Fund, established by the International Weed Science Society, supports future students in weed science. His legacy lives on in the fields he studied, the people he inspired, and the global community he helped shape.

References

For additional tributes, interviews, and biographies, see the following resources: