Engineer and physicist Rogério Cezar de Cerqueira Leite passed away in the early hours of this Sunday (1), aged 93. Graduated from the Aeronautics Technological Institute (ITA), he was a professor at the University of Campinas (Unicamp) and the University of Paris. One of the biggest names in science in Brazil, he was also honorary president of the National Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM). Leite leaves behind three children. The burial will be today, at 1 pm, at the Flamboyant cemetery, in Campinas.
In a statement, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said that “Rogério Cerqueira Leite was one of our greatest scientists and one of those mainly responsible for the development of research and advances in science in Brazil”. He added: “In his 93 years of life, he left contributions in so many areas that his legacy will continue to bear fruit and will not be forgotten. My condolences to Rogério Cerqueira Leite’s family, friends, students and admirers.”
The researcher was one of the enablers of the design and construction of the National Synchroton Light Laboratory (LNLS) and the beginning of the creation of the CNPEM which, also in a note, stated: “The death of professor Rogério Cezar de Cerqueira Leite is felt with great regret for all CNPEM collaborators and, certainly, by great enthusiasts of science, technology and innovation in Brazil”.
