Remembering János Suba (1929-2024)

Abstract

János Suba was born on 29 May 1929 in Eger, where he also completed his primary and secondary education. In 1948, he began studying biology and geography at Pázmány Péter University, graduating with excellent results in 1952. He first started teaching at the State Teacher Training Institute of Eger, then moved to the Teachers Training College of Eger in 1962. In 1968, he received his doctorate in floristics and vegetation science from Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest. In 1984, he obtained his candidate degree in the field of photosynthesis ecology. He acted as head of the Department of Botany for several terms and many years; he retired in 1994. He passed away in Eger on 22 October 2024.

János Suba's professional career began in the Heves–Borsod Hills. Initially, he worked in the fields of floristics and vegetation science, then in the 1980s he turned his focus to photosynthesis ecology. His pioneering studies revealed the annual and daily photosynthesis dynamics of 12 dominant species in an oak forest community. He used isotope techniques and excellently combined field studies with laboratory methods. He had a thorough knowledge of the flora of the Bükk Mountains, about which he published a book and a book chapter. In 2005, he received the Pro Natura Award for his lifelong work in nature conservation.