Daniel O. Gomez

Argentina

1959-2024

Obituary:

With deep sadness, the staff of the Institute for Astronomy and Space Physics (IAFE) regrets the passing of our director Daniel Gómez on 5 November 2024 at the age of 65. Daniel was a professor at the Department of Physics of the Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences (FCEN) of the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) and a Principal Researcher at the National Council of Scientific and Technological Research. An internationally recognized specialist in plasma physics and passionate about numerical modeling, Daniel obtained his master and doctorate degrees in physics at the FCEN, UBA. Since his beginnings as a researcher at IAFE, he demonstrated an immense commitment to the development of astrophysics and space physics in our country and, beyond his field of interest, to national science and public education. In 2017, he received the "José Luis Sersic" award from the Argentine Astronomy Association and the “Abdus Salam Spirit Award” awarded by the International Center for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), being the first Latin American physicist to receive this distinction that highlights those who promote the development of science and technology in their countries. In 2019, he was appointed Director of IAFE, a position he held until his death. During this period, Daniel gave his best to ensure that IAFE remained a reference center in space physics and astrophysics at national, regional, and international levels. Daniel also maintained a strong commitment to human rights. A clear example was his effort to obtain the restitution of the file of Alicia Cardoso, a geology student and IAFE technician kidnapped and murdered by the military dictatorship in 1977. Thanks to his efforts, there is currently a tile that remembers her on the sidewalk of our Institute. During this last year, Daniel actively participated in the RAICYT network of institute directors fighting against the fall of the national budget for science and technology. His colleagues and friends highlight Daniel's human and ethical dimension as well as his commitment to the training of new scientists. All of us who shared moments with him will remember him as a model of work, conduct, and commitment.

From all the staff at IAFE (https://www.iafe.uba.ar/)