With deep sorrow, we announce that Prof. Rudolf Podgornik passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2024, due to complications from COVID. He was a distinguished scientist at the Jožef Stefan Institute and Professor Emeritus of Physics at the University of Ljubljana. In recent years, he also held a professorship at the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) and the Institute of Physics (IoP) in Beijing, China.

Prof. Podgornik was a leading researcher in theoretical biophysics and the physics of soft condensed matter. His groundbreaking work encompassed a wide range of topics, including the physics of biopolymers, DNA, chromatin, viral capsids, nucleosome mesophases, macromolecular interactions, Lifshitz theory of dispersion (van der Waals) forces, and the theory of Coulombic systems such as ionic solutions, membranes, and polyelectrolytes. He published over 300 scientific articles, making invaluable contributions to the understanding of these complex systems.

Recognized as one of the foremost scientists of his era, Prof. Podgornik was honored in 1999 with the Zois Award for Outstanding Scientific Achievements, Slovenia’s most prestigious recognition for scientific excellence.

He played a crucial role in establishing biophysics studies at the University of Ljubljana and was a devoted mentor to numerous students, guiding them through their undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies. His cosmopolitan outlook, intellectual depth, generosity, and unwavering dedication to research left a lasting mark on all who had the privilege of collaborating with him.

Prof. Podgornik was not only a brilliant scientist but also an exceptional individual whose character and achievements profoundly shaped the scientific community.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.