In memory of Professor Roger-Maurice Bonnet
It is with profound sorrow that we learned of the passing of Prof. Roger-Maurice Bonnet, a world-renowned scientist and leader of space science, and a pivotal figure in the development of the International Space Science Institute (ISSI). We hereby extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to ISSI and Prof. Bonnet’s bereaved family. Throughout his distinguished career, Prof. Bonnet dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the advancement of global space science, leaving an indelible legacy that will continue to inspire the scientific community for generations to come.
During his tenure as Executive Director at ISSI, Prof. Bonnet spearheaded the institute's strategic vision centered on fostering cross-border, interdisciplinary collaboration in space science research, elevating ISSI to the status of a globally acclaimed hub for cutting-edge space science initiatives and international academic exchanges.
Prof. Bonnet cherished a profound friendship with the Chinese space science community and made extraordinary contributions to its progress. He promoted and decided the ESA-China Double Star/Cluster mission, which is also China’s first space science mission. He actively united ISSI and the National Space Science Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences (NSSC, CAS), driving the establishment of the International Space Science Institute-Beijing (ISSI-BJ) and forging a robust platform for China-foreign cooperation in space science. He also took an in-depth part in the international cooperation of China’s Space Science Priority Programme, providing invaluable guidance for the programme’s scientific objectives with his profound academic accomplishments and broad international vision, thus underpinning the development of China’s space science. He had been granted the International Cooperation Award of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Government Friendship Award.
Since the establishment of ISSI-BJ, Prof. Bonnet had always cared deeply about its growth and development, and forged a profound and lasting friendship with us. He visited China on many occasions, devoting great efforts to ISSI-BJ’s academic exchanges, talent cultivation and scientific cooperation, and providing strong and sustained support for its mature and stable development. His sincere friendship towards China, rigorous pragmatic academic spirit and unwavering commitment to international collaboration will always be engraved in our hearts. Though Prof. Bonnet has passed away, his outstanding contributions to international space science cooperation and development will go down in history, and his spirit will inspire generations of space scientists to forge ahead in exploring the mysteries of the universe.
May the family take good care of themselves and find solace in the extraordinary legacy Prof. Bonnet has left behind.
Prof. WU Ji, Chair and
On behalf of ISSI-BJ Board of Trustees
