Antonio Ruberti, a well-known scientist, engineer, and statesman, died in Rome on 4 September. As Italian Minister for Scientific Research from 1987 to 1992, and European Commissioner from 1992 to 1994, he strongly supported ICTP, SISSA (International School for Advanced Studies), and the Elettra synchrotron facility. He also led the effort to establish the Italian and European Scientific Culture Weeks, now held yearly, and lent his authority to the development of the Trieste-based Laboratorio dell'Immaginario Scientifico.