Prof. Falanga was one of the directors of the International Space Science Institute (ISSI) in Bern, Switzerland, but he was also actively involved in scientific activities and teaching in Opava. Our collaboration began around 2015 and focused primarily on modeling X-ray binary systems and their observable signals.

Prof. Falanga also contributed to teaching in the master's program High-Energy Astrophysics, where he led seminars and some lectures, but also hosted our students in Bern. Additionally, he collaborated with PhD students and other researchers from the Institute of Physics, particularly from the Center for Computational Physics and Data Processing. He attended most conferences and workshops organized in Opava and invited students and academics to workshops at ISSI.

His sudden passing deeply affected everyone. The Institute of Physics has lost not only an important international collaborator but also a colleague and friend.

In recent years, Prof. Falanga supervised PhD student René Šprňa, who regularly met with him in Opava and Switzerland. René remembers his mentor with these words:

“Maurizio was someone who could connect people through the scientific projects he was involved in. He was full of positive energy, always smiling and optimistic, with a unique sense of humor. He had the ability to motivate others and was open to new opportunities and ideas. He was incredibly knowledgeable and linguistically gifted.

What fascinated me about Maurizio was how much he could accomplish. They say multitasking is impossible for humans, but he certainly came close. He always emphasized that a good scientist must read a large number of articles to stay informed— to understand what has already been done, what needs to be done, and what is worth pursuing. He taught me not to procrastinate. He used to say, ‘Why later, if you can do it now? Just do it.’

I will never forget one lunchtime discussion at ISSI, where employees were debating how to use the ISSI budget for a Christmas party at a local casino. Maurizio joined in with humor— instead of dismissing the idea outright, he playfully analyzed whether it could be done and gave advice on how to make it work without getting caught. Given his role as ISSI director and his Italian roots, I found the whole situation incredibly amusing— it perfectly captured his openness and sense of humor.

I will always remember Maurizio as someone who was kind to everyone, regardless of nationality, status, or profession. I am deeply grateful not only for the opportunity to have known him and worked with him on a scientific paper but also for the moments we spent simply joking about everyday things.”

Maurizio, Salut!

Authors: Debora Lančová, René Šprňa, Gabriel Török
On behalf of the Institute of Physics in Opava