In Memory of Dr. Denovan P. Begg (1981–2026)

SSIB mourns the loss of Dr. Denovan “Deno” Patrick Begg, a valued member of our community, respected scientist, mentor, colleague, and friend, who passed away on May 18, 2026, following a long illness.

Deno's scientific career was defined by an enduring fascination with the mechanisms that govern ingestive behavior and energy homeostasis. His academic journey began at La Trobe University, where he earned a Bachelor’s of Behavioural Science (Honours) in 2003 and a Master’s in Behavioural Neuroscience in 2008. He subsequently completed a PhD in Nutritional Neuroscience at Deakin University in 2011, developing expertise at the intersection of neuroscience, metabolism, nutrition, and cardiovascular physiology.

Following his doctoral training, Deno was awarded a prestigious CJ Martin Fellowship, which allows Australian researchers to establish new skills, methods, and international networks by training overseas in leading laboratories. This fellowship supported his postdoctoral studies at the University of Cincinnati Metabolic Diseases Institute. There, Deno quickly integrated into the research environment and advanced his projects as well as those of his colleagues. From 2011-2015, Deno contributed to 23 peer-reviewed publications affiliated with the University of Cincinnati. This impressive productivity is a nice example of how Deno’s sharp intellect, collegiality, and enthusiasm for collaboration functioned as a catalyst for scientific discovery. He later established his independent research program at the University of New South Wales, where he served as Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology. Throughout his career, Deno made important contributions to our understanding of how the brain regulates food intake, fluid balance, and body weight. His research spanned a remarkable breadth of topics, including the transport of insulin and other adiposity signals into the central nervous system, the role of neuropeptide Y circuits in feeding and obesity, the effects of obesity on cognition and neuroinflammation, and the neural mechanisms contributing to the beneficial effects of bariatric surgery. His publications reflected both intellectual rigor and scientific curiosity, helping to bridge disciplines that are often studied separately. Deno was also deeply committed to the scientific community. He maintained active membership in the Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior throughout his career, receiving the SSIB New Investigator Travel Award in 2009 and serving on the Program Committee in 2013. He was also honored with the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids New Investigator Award in 2012. These awards foreshadowed a career marked by thoughtful scholarship, creativity, and sustained scientific impact.

Equally important was his dedication to mentoring students and trainees. As a supervisor, collaborator, and educator, Deno was generous with his time and knowledge. Coming full circle, Deno afforded his students opportunities to enhance their professional networks and technical repertoire by training overseas in leading laboratories. He fostered a learning environment characterized by intellectual openness, collegiality, and enthusiasm for discovery. Many students and colleagues benefited from his guidance, encouragement, and willingness to help others succeed.

Those who knew Deno remember not only his scientific accomplishments but also his kindness, humility, good humor, and genuine interest in people. He brought warmth and generosity to scientific interactions and friendships alike.

Denovan is survived by his wife, Lauren, and daughters, Emilie and Annabel, as well as his mother Susan and brothers Ken and Duncan. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, trainees, and colleagues.

The field of ingestive behavior has lost a talented scientist and cherished member of our community. I am thankful to have known Deno as a colleague and friend. I will miss the brilliance with which Deno advanced our field, but what I’ll remember most is the way his smile, kindness, and humor brought lightheartedness to a profession where setbacks are common and success is fleeting. He reminds me not to take myself too seriously, and to find joy in the work and in one another. For that, I am especially grateful.

-Eric Krause