Graeme Hugo, one of Australia’s most distinguished demographers, has died after a short illness.

The University of Adelaide professor authored more than 300 books, chapters in books, articles in scholarly journals and a large number of conference papers and reports.

The university confirmed this morning that he had died.

Vice-Chancellor Warren Bebbington said, in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of our esteemed colleague, researcher Professor Graeme Hugo AO”.

“A man of enormous intellect and vision, Professor Hugo shared his knowledge so generously— his unique contribution to the way we understand our society, in Australia and internationally, is a remarkable and enduring legacy.”

“He will be sadly missed by the University of Adelaide community.”

Premier Jay Weatherill also expressed sadness.

“This is an enormous loss to South Australia and the nation,” Weatherill said.

“Mr Hugo was an international thinker of the highest calibre and was greatly respected.”

“I regarded him as a friend and I am deeply saddened at his passing.”

Executive Director of the Don Dunstan Foundation Donna Harden said Hugo would be sorely missed.

“Graeme had a brilliant and penetrating mind and was intensely dedicated to his work, writing prolifically on population and migration,” she said.

“He won international respect and became a much loved friend and colleague to a great many in the international academic community.

“Our society has been a constant beneficiary of his work with his views being sought at all levels of government.

“He could be relied upon to uncover the facts and deliver them objectively. The depth of his knowledge and understanding of his field is rare.”

“The Foundation will continue with the legacy of Graeme’s work through the organisation he established, the Australian Population and Migration Research Centre at the University of Adelaide.

“Graeme touched many in his life time with his genuine nature, generosity and his unrelenting commitment to his work. He will be sorely missed.”

Hugo was named an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2012 for distinguished service to population research, particularly the study of international migration, population geography and mobility, and through leadership roles with national and international organisations.

He was Director of the Australian Population and Migration Research Centre at Adelaide University and held an Australian Research Council Federation Fellowship between 2002 and 2007.

Image: University of Adelaide