It’s with great sadness I report the untimely death of Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Sandner, who died suddenly at the weekend. For many of us, Wolfgang defined the modern era in European laser science – he was an absolute giant - scientifically, politically and personally and stewarded much of the collaborative and internationally leading environment Europe, and the CLF, enjoys today.

Wolfgang has been entwined in the life of the CLF for decades through our many collaborative activities, his founding and leadership of the immensely successful Laserlab-Europe network, his steering of the Extreme Light Infrastructure from its inception right through to the present day, his active involvement in HiPER and his Chairmanship of the CLF Facility Board over the last six years.

Wolfgang also chaired for CCLRC/STFC the Review Committee that forced the UK to seriously consider the importance of science using Free Electron Lasers, an unfulfilled legacy that remains to this day.

His passing is a truly profound loss for anyone that knew him – a stalwart supporter of CLF, a passionate advocate of European laser science but for me more than anything, a great friend and mentor that I will dearly miss.

On behalf of all his friends and colleagues at the CLF, I would like to express our deepest sympathy to his wife, children and relatives.

Prof. John Collier
Director, Central Laser Facility