Remembering Roberto Román

Shortly before Christmas, we received the very sad news that our friend, colleague, and ISES Board Member from Chile, Prof. Roberto Román passed away on 18 December. Roberto was a true solar energy champion in his home country of Chile and around the world. He was a mechanical civil engineer and Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences of the University of Chile. Roberto believed that "the future we must build is 100% renewable" and he is remembered by colleagues from all disciplines as an advance, great teacher, friend and nature lover.

Roberto was an ISES member since 1979 and was on the ISES Board of Directors in 1991, 2010, 2012 and again since 2016. He was also an ISES Vice President of Membership Affairs 2011-2012. Roberto was responsible for International Outreach at the Solar Energy Research Center of Chile (SERC). He was also Chairman of the ISES Solar World Congress 2019 in Santiago.

ISES Immediate Past President Dave Renné expressed his condolences on behalf of ISES:

"On behalf of all of the ISES Board of Directors, it is with great sadness to learn of the passing of Prof. Roberto Román of the University of Chile, Santiago. Roberto has been a long term beloved colleague to ISES and to the entire renewable energy community. He has been a member of the ISES Board of Directors for many years, including this current term. He was instrumental in bringing the first ISES Solar Word Congress, together with the International Solar Heating and Cooling Conference, ever to be held in South America to Santiago this past November, fulfilling a vision he has had for years of securing this prestigious event in his home town. Despite his illness, he was able to participate in much of the Congress, and we were very honored and inspired with his presence. Roberto has had a significant influence on the growth of renewable energy in Chile, and his research has helped advance the use of solar technologies around the world. We express our deepest condolences to his wife, Cristy, and to all of his family and friends. The renewable energy community has lost a true pioneer, but we trust he continues to smile down upon us as we continue our work. He will not be forgotten."

Roberto will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences and sympathy go out to his family.

Please see also this article in honour of Roberto's life and achievements by the the Faculty of Engineering, University of Chile (in Spanish).