Raymond Rouch (24.12.1934–14.09.2025), scientist and artist – his contribution to the modern developments of groundwater ecology

A tribute to Raymond Rouch, a renowned researcher in groundwater ecology, focuses on scientific and cultural aspects of his work filled with new ideas and stimulating results addressed to the following topics: (a) the taxonomy and systematics of copepod crustaceans, particularly Harpacticoida and Gelyelloida, found in groundwater habitats; (b) the groundwater ecology, where innovative ideas, new methods of research, and scientific results helped to promote a modern new groundwater ecology; and (c) the insertion of a hydrogeology approach insofar as the research in ecology required identifying the origin and dynamics of groundwater flows in karst systems in particular. As an addition, the story of the famous Bou–Rouch pump is presented. The interest in various scientific fields reveals Rouch’s broad erudition. He was an excellent draftsman and expressed himself through painting, inspired by Max Ernst and Salvador Dali. The appreciation for the scientific work of Raymond Rouch by the community is illustrated through the dedication to him of 20 species named in his honor. Two annexes include Rouch’s list of publications and a list of the new taxa he described.