Sydney, 7 March 2025

Vale Maurizio Falanga

Maurizio was also an accomplished astrophysicist, as evidenced by (among others) the several hundred peer-reviewed publications he featured on as lead or co-author. Most of his astrophysics achievements related to X-ray astronomy. His excellent astrophysical track record, combined with the many years he served at ISSI-BJ in a leadership role, secured him dual senior appointments in his native Switzerland: as one of the Directors of ISSI Bern, our older sister institution, and as Professor of Space Sciences at the University of Bern. He was looking forward to continuing his productive career for many years to come. Just in his mid-fifties, his sudden passing has come far too soon.

But Maurizio was more than a director, a scientist and a professional. Over the years, he had become a dear friend to many of us. His dry humour and insightful discussions lit up many of the conversations we will now treat as treasured memories. Personally, I was excited to catch up with him in May of this year, when I am due to travel to ISSI Bern on behalf of our Beijing-based institution. Alas, that won’t be possible any longer. A gaping hole has been left in the ISSI/ISSI-BJ family that will take time to fill and mend. Maurizio will be sorely missed by many of us. Although he has passed on, we will certainly not forget him, nor the warmth with which he always made us feel welcome.

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Maurizio’s family, friends and colleagues. We wish you all much strength in coping with our common loss. Our heartfelt condolences.

On behalf of the ISSI-BJ team,
Richard de Grijs
(ISSI-BJ Executive Director)