Farewell, Octavian Ganea

Octavian’s untimely death saddens us deeply. We have lost a much-loved colleague who, despite his young age, made significant and lasting contributions to the field of machine learning. He was a true researcher, full of energy and creativity and driven by scientific curiosity, who pursued his vision with persistence and remarkable endurance. He exhibited the same mental strength on his mountaineering adventures, which led him to the highest peaks of the Alps.

But he was more than that. In Octavian we have lost someone who was not just a colleague, but also a mentor and friend to many of us. He possessed a contagious serenity and cheerfulness. He was successful, yet remained humble and modest; he offered help, yet never imposed himself. Octavian inspired others through his personality and positive attitude as much as his research. Despite our grief over his death, we want to carry on his enthusiasm for life and cherish the memories of the wonderful time we had together. You would not have wanted it any other way!