Professor Silvia Spezzaferri passed away peacefully on July 30, 2024. Her passing marks a profound loss to the scientific community, where she was celebrated not only for her groundbreaking research but also for her dedication to education and mentorship. Professor Spezzaferri’s legacy in foraminiferal research, especially her advocacy for foraminiferal taxonomy as the foundation of this field, will resonate for generations to come.

Born with a passion for the sciences, Silvia pursued her studies at the University of Milan, where she earned a Master’s degree in 1987 and Ph.D. in Earth Sciences in 1992. Here, she focused on the planktic foraminiferal biostratigraphy of the Oligocene and Lower Miocene, work which has become the manual for workers of this time period. Her meticulous research set the stage for a career defined by excellence and innovation.

In 2002, Silvia joined the Department of Geosciences at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, where she would eventually lead the Micropaleontology group. Her leadership and expertise significantly shaped the department, and she remained a vital part of it for the rest of her life.

Throughout her career, Professor Spezzaferri was deeply involved in biostratigraphic micropaleontological research, particularly through her work with cores recovered by various Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) and International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) expeditions. Her extensive research led to the publication of over 200 papers and abstracts since 1991, including influential works in top-tier journals such as Science and Nature-Scientific Reports.

As we remember Professor Silvia Spezzaferri, we honour a life dedicated to science, education, and the betterment of understanding of our planet. Her contributions have left an indelible mark on the field of micropaleontology, and her legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations.

Warmest regards,

The Micropalaeontological Society