It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Professor Elena Accomando on the morning of 7 January 2025. After a long and courageous battle with illness, Elena leaves behind her devoted husband, Francesco, and their two daughters, aged 16.
Elena received her Laurea in Physics from the University of Rome La Sapienza in 1993, followed by a PhD from the University of Torino in 1997. Her early career included postdoctoral positions at Texas A&M University and the Paul Scherrer Institute, as well as a staff position at the University of Torino. In 2009, she joined the University of Southampton as a Lecturer, earning promotions to Associate Professor in 2018 and Professor in 2022.
Elena was a distinguished particle physicist whose research focused on the theory and phenomenology of particle physics at colliders, both within the Standard Model and in exploring new physics beyond it. She made significant contributions to the field including looking for new forces and exotic supersymmetric particles at the Large Hadron Collider. She was well known as a research collaborator at CERN and other international institutions.
Elena played an integral role in shaping the academic community at Southampton. She served in numerous capacities, including PGR tutor in the High Energy Physics group, Senior Tutor, and Doctoral Programme Director. In addition, she was a member of the Ernest Rutherford Fellowship Panel’s Training and Careers Committee over the past two years. Elena taught two undergraduate courses on particle and nuclear physics for many years and was greatly admired as a teacher. She was also actively involved in the School of Physics at the Italian Academy of Distinction, inspiring the next generation of physicists by creating a stimulating environment for students to explore advanced topics in science.
Elena’s remarkable professional achievements were paralleled by her strength and optimism in the face of adversity. Despite her illness, she remained a positive presence, planning ahead for her work and family. Her colleagues and students remember her as a brilliant scientist, an inspiring mentor, and a warm, compassionate individual.
Her death is a profound loss to the scientific community and all who knew her. Elena’s legacy will endure through her contributions to science, the lives she touched, and the students and colleagues she inspired.