UC Davis Distinguished Professor Bruce Hammock, known for his contributions to science and mentorship, has died at the age of 78. Hammock passed away on January 5, 2026.
Hammock spent nearly five decades at UC Davis, where he was recognized for his work in insect physiology, toxicology, pharmacology, and experimental therapeutics. Chancellor Gary May commented on Hammock’s influence: “Bruce Hammock’s groundbreaking contributions to insect physiology, toxicology, pharmacology, and experimental therapeutics have been recognized internationally, but here at UC Davis we also had the privilege of knowing him firsthand as a dedicated mentor, an outspoken advocate for students and faculty, and a generous and beloved colleague,” said Chancellor Gary May. “I was especially proud to present Bruce with the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award in Innovation as part of the Chancellor’s Innovation Awards in 2020, and to later celebrate his recognition as recipient of the 2024 Graduate Studies Distinguished Graduate and Postdoctoral Mentoring Award. We are all better for having had Bruce as a member of our community for 46 years. I am deeply grateful for his enduring commitment to our campus, which helped shape who we are today and will continue to impact us in the years to come.”
Joanna Chiu, professor and chair of the Department of Entomology and Nematology at UC Davis, reflected on Hammock’s legacy: “Today (Jan. 5) we lost a legend. Bruce will not only be remembered as a uniquely brilliant and extraordinary scientist and thinker, but also a kind and generous individual and a fierce supporter of his mentees and colleagues. We will miss him dearly.”
UC Davis Distinguished Professor Emerita Lynn Kimsey highlighted Hammock’s international reputation: “Bruce was the backbone of the department for decades,” she said. “His lab, students and staff were internationally recognized, coming up with landmark discoveries, including increasing the efficacy of pesticides and understanding the toxic effects , the biochemistry of inflammation, and novel pain treatments, among other things. Despite multiple honors and recognition, Bruce was a humble man, always willing to help and collaborate.”
May Berenbaum from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign described her admiration for Hammock: “So sad–I really thought (hoped?) he was invincible. ‘Genius’ is a word that is overused, but for him it was entirely appropriate….Superhuman productivity–more than a thousand papers, 97,000 plus citations, more than 80 patents–and astonishing breadth and impact. And his work literally saved lives, big and small…What impressed me most about him was his fearlessness…And what I liked about him most…was his kindness–he was always…kind and encouraging to me…Here’s a note he sent to me in April 2020: ‘Hope you are enjoying PNAS … On the side we are trying to get our drug into COVID-2019 human clinical trials…It is fun where bug work takes you.–Best,Bruce’ We’re all better off for where Bruce took bug work…I’ll miss him…”
Further details about Professor Hammock’s career can be found on the UC Davis Entomology & Nematology website.
Remembrances from former graduate students indicate that Hammock had significant influence as both mentor and friend during his tenure.