Luis Masperi (1941-2003)
 |  |
| |
With great sorrow we noted the death of Prof. Luis Masperi on December 2, 2003 in Bariloche, Argentina. Since the foundation of INESAP in 1993, he was an engaged participant in INESAP activities. He joined several of the workshops and conferences, wrote several articles for the INESAP Information Bulletin, and contributed to the INESAP Study Group "Beyond the NPT," presenting, its report at the NPT Review and Extension Conference in New York in April 1995. He pushed the debates on the future of nuclear power and on Nuclear Weapon Free Zones, based on the Latin American case.
Luis defended the responsibility of scientists in making correct statements on issues of societal relevance. He constantly spoke up in favor of the importance of science in less developed countries and the crucial role of scientists to enhance the dialogue between peoples. He emphasized the urgent need of total nuclear disarmament as a necessary prerequisite to global peace and, above all, the defense of basic human rights. One of his major achievements was his decisive participation in the settlement of the Argentine-Brazilian agreement which banned non-peaceful uses of nuclear energy in both countries.
As a physicist, he was internationally recognized and helped mentor many students in the field of High Energy Physics. He was a former director of the Instituto Balseiro and former president of the Argentine Physical Association. In the final phase of his life, he held the position of director of the Latin American Center of Physics, using it to play an important role in the development of physics in the region, emphasizing the collaboration between nations.
Luis Masperi was also involved in local politics, being one of the founders of the Bariloche local chapter of the national Human Rights Forum as well as the Argentine Pugwash branch and elected delegate in the debates that led to the establishment of the Municipal Charter of the town of Bariloche, where he lived.
We hope his energy, courage, and wisdom, as well as his great humanity and forward-looking attitude, will perpetuate and inspire those who follow him. We will miss him and his engagement.
