It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of colleague, physicist, educator and public figure Dr Audrius Alkauskas at the age of 46. Our sincere condolences to Audrius' relatives, friends, colleagues and all those who knew him.
A farewell to Dr Audrius Alkauskas will take place at the Vilnius Funeral Home "Ritualas", Olandų str. 22, Hall 6:
17 May (Wednesday), 16:30-21:00; 18 May (Thursday), 8:00-11:00.
Audrius worked for the last few years in the Fundamental Research Department of the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC). Prof. Gintaras Valušis, Director of the FTMC, remembers him:
"It is difficult to find words to express this loss. Audrius Alkauskas, Head of the Laboratory of Electronic Structure Theory of the Fundamental Research Division and the leader and founder of the informal theoretical group "Puntukas", one of the most prominent theoretical physicists of the middle generation, has left the Centre of Physical Sciences and Technology.
Not only an exceptional talent in physics, but also a multifaceted personality, able to mobilise like-minded people, to spark curiosity, to inspire creativity and scientific enquiry... He had the incredible erudition of a physicist and a subtle flair, a penchant for music and creative writing.
Audrius' scientific ideas shone through in a very productive, colourful and inventive way. Working with love and imagination, which has led to many seminal papers and reports on electronic structure semiconductors, international projects and future directions for the ever-increasing activities of the research group. The vocation of physics, the inner blessing of the creative impulse and ... a patient encounter with oneself... It was all so vivid, but it was so brief. Too short.
Rest in Peace, dear Audrius!"
(Original text from FTMC and Anykstenai.lt, translated into English.)
Audrius Alkauskas was also part of the Quantum Community Network (QCN) as the representative for Lithuania. Prof. Vyacheslavs Kashcheyevs, the QCN member for Latvia, had the following to say:
"Audrius strongly believed in the collaborative spirit of science. He has initiated and coordinated the first joint quantum technology project between Lithuania and Latvia and spearheaded Lithuania's participation in quantum technology coordination activities on the European stage. Our community mourns the loss of a champion."
