It is with profound sadness that we inform you of the passing of our colleague and friend, Roberto Araya, on May 29, 2024, due to a severe infection that took him in the prime of his life. He leaves behind his partner Soledad Miranda-Rottman, his son and stepson, as well as all his colleagues, friends, and acquaintances.

Professor Araya joined the University of Montreal in 2011 as an associate professor after completing a postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia University. He became a researcher at CHU Sainte-Justine in 2019. He quickly stood out for his willingness to push the boundaries of knowledge in neuroscience. To do so, he developed and refined his own imaging systems, with which he conducted several pioneering studies on the role of dendrites and pyramidal neurons. His discoveries led to major breakthroughs in understanding several neurological disorders, including fragile X syndrome.

A brilliant and extraordinary mind, Professor Araya had a passion for science in all its forms—especially when it came to sketching out diagrams on the board! Besides neuroscience, he had a keen interest in the history of scientific concepts and discoveries, and readily shared numerous enlightening anecdotes on the subject. He was also a staunch advocate for critical thinking and never hesitated to challenge conventions, even if it meant openly expressing sometimes provocative truths. For his students, he primarily wanted them to learn to think independently: "Forget your supervisor’s opinion and tell me what’s happening here," he often said.

Lastly, Roberto Araya was also a sociable and unifying person, for whom science needed to be shared. He recently organized the "Pucón Learning and AI Summit" (PLENA) 2024, a symposium held in Chile aimed at fostering exchanges between his theoretical and experimental colleagues to address fundamental challenges at the intersection of artificial intelligence and neuroscience. On a more personal note, we cherish the memories of exchanges with colleagues, friends, and acquaintances over hearty meals, cheese tastings, and joyful happy hours.

The untimely departure of our colleague and friend will leave a profound void, both within our research center and across the entire scientific community. Our thoughts are with his partner—his great love—and his children, of whom he was so proud. It is with immense sadness that we extend our deepest condolences to them and their loved ones during these difficult times.

Jacques L. Michaud Director of Research