On 2 September, a tragic accident on the Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska took the life of our colleague Riccardo Pozzobon while he was on a mission.

Riccardo graduated in Geology and Technical Geology from Padua University in 2010 and, after obtaining his Ph.D., specialised in planetary geology, eventually becoming an instructor on the European Space Agency's astronaut training course. 

A passionate and talented researcher, Riccardo had participated in numerous international missions, published important studies (for example, his discoveries on lunar lava tubes) and was a lecturer on the Digital Geological Mapping course.

Riccardo combined his high-level scientific profile with extraordinary human qualities, with his gentle and generous character and a natural inclination towards collaboration. 

His passing leaves a huge void within our departmental community.

Here is a personal tribute to Riccardo from Nicola Surian, Director of the Department: ‘Riccardo, who was on a mission in Alaska, passed away on 2 September. He leaves behind a great void, both as a man and as a researcher. At this very sad time, the department would like to express our deepest sorrow to his family and friends.”

“Riccardo was a brilliant researcher with a limitless passion for geology. He was also a generous person who was always willing to share his expertise with enthusiasm and infectious happiness. His contribution to planetary geology was extremely important, and he set an example through his ability to work as part of a team and with everyone," says Francesco Sauro, a speleologist and geologist who shared many field missions with Riccardo. 

In these words, Matteo Massironi's heartfelt farewell: "Goodbye Riccardo, dearest friend, companion in life, of exciting discoveries and exhilarating moments of joy. Planetary sciences without your talent will never be the same again. Our lives are hard without your generous kindness, and every memory of your everlasting smile is painful"