Honorary Doctor of Karazin University, Outstanding Italian Astrophysicist Massimo Capaccioli has passed Away: Karazin Community Expresses its Deepest Condolences…

On May 25, 2026, Honorary Doctor of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, outstanding Italian astrophysicist, foreign member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Professor Massimo Capaccioli passed away — a world-class scientist whose name is inseparably linked with the development of modern research in galaxy evolution and cosmology.

Professor Capaccioli’s main scientific interests included the dynamics and evolution of stellar systems, the nature of elliptical galaxies, the problem of dark matter, and the cosmic distance scale. He authored more than 500 papers and books that made a significant contribution to modern astrophysics and gained wide international recognition. A special place in his career was occupied by his involvement in the creation of modern astronomical infrastructure. Under his leadership, the VST survey telescope was built — the largest telescope of its class in the world, operating at the Paranal Observatory in Chile. For many years, Professor Capaccioli served as President of the Italian Astronomical Society and as General President of the National Society of Sciences, Letters, and Arts in Naples.

Of particular importance for Ukrainian science was his long-standing cooperation with researchers of Karazin University. Professor M. Capaccioli maintained close contact with the university’s astronomers, supported their work during difficult times, and provided significant assistance, including financial support. At his initiative, joint Ukrainian–Italian scientific events were held at the university, and he edited the monograph “Are We Alone in the Universe?”.

In co-authorship with Karazin University professor Olena Bannikova, he published a fundamental textbook on celestial mechanics with Springer. His efforts also laid the foundation for sustainable cooperation between Ukrainian scientists and the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF): cooperation agreements were signed between Karazin University and INAF, as well as between the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and INAF. Professor Capaccioli also made significant contributions as a member of the Supervisory Board of the Karazin University Charitable Foundation.

Professor Massimo Capaccioli belonged to that generation of scientists in whom extraordinary scientific talent was harmoniously combined with remarkable humanity, high culture, and intellectual refinement. His life is an example of dedication to science, education, and international understanding. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of colleagues, friends, and all who had the honor of working and communicating with this extraordinary person.